An election for two councillors for Malton Town Council takes place next Thursday, May 6.

Here we have a statement from each of the candidates standing.

Gill Boler -Malton resident and nursing sister

Since moving to Malton 21 years ago I’ve played an active role in the community as nurse manager of Derwent Practice for 15 years – and musical director of many local pantomimes, shows and concerts.

My professional career has involved working at both local and regional levels, developing and supporting new services to benefit the whole community, and being involved in budgeting, training and effectiveness monitoring.

Socially, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with residents of all ages to produce entertainment for the local population and to support the maintenance of our historic places.

I’m a keen walker, cyclist and naturalist, and would proactively support the conservation of our wonderful countryside, without compromising access.

If elected, it would be a privilege for me to work with a team – passionate about the continual development of Malton and the infrastructure to support it – and that’s a challenge that I would relish.

Luke Campbell, the Conservative Party candidate

“I would like to be a Councillor on Malton Town Council to improve the town that I have grown up in for present and future generations. I am a trustworthy, honest, proactive and motivated person, who can be approached by people from all walks of life. I will bring a fresh, new perspective to the town council to represent the constituents of our growing town.

Some key issues right now include traffic and council tax. I would use my position as Councillor to hold our county and district Councillors to account and ensure your voices are heard regarding their decisions.

Malton Town Council tax is already £40 more than Norton Town Council tax, I 100% oppose any unnecessary increase in Town Council Tax. I would like to restore a community feel by promoting more events in town. Hopefully I will see you at the polling stations on the 6th May!”

Ian Conlan, Green Party Candidate.

I am a local family man and music teacher, living in Malton for 10 years, and Ryedale for 20 years.  I listen carefully, work hard, and get things done. I led the West Malton Residents Group, with a Traffic Survey, residents’ newsletter and “Say NO to High Malton” campaign. 500-house High Malton was stopped, protecting this popular walking area. In Frack Free Ryedale’s media team, we gained national attention, and fracking was frozen. I lobbied for a 20mph speed limit on Middlecave Road outside Malton School, expected shortly, and I will campaign hard for measures that make crossing our roads much safer, so our children can walk to school safely.  I repeatedly called for effective action on air pollution in central Malton. I support our young people’s campaign to restore the Skate Park in Norton Road, which I am asking town councillors to approve this week.

Sophie Legard, the Conservative Party Candidate

I am standing for election to Malton Town Council to offer my views as a local business owner. I believe Malton is a very special place. Having worked through the Covid-19 pandemic I’ve seen the kindness and compassion of the locals that has kept our community going. I’d like to do more to help the community to grow, to become more inclusive and keep the goodwill circulating.

David Lloyd Williams. community candidate

I write briefly to ask for your vote on May 6th to help me get back onto
Malton Town Council having lost out by ONE vote back in 2019 !
I ask for your support having spent many years on the Council helping
to make decisions for our community and with other Local Government
experience able to navigate the many obstacles that so often stand in
the way of common sense.
We are facing Local Authority devolution in the near future and as these
changes take place, it will be vital that elected councillors have the
knowledge and experience to counter-balance any extreme proposals that
directly affect our community.
I strongly believe that Party Politics has no meaningful place in Town
or Parish Councils and having served on Malton Town Council for many
years as an Independent, I do so again as a community candidate.

For polling station locations go to www.ryedale.gov.uk/your-council/elections-voting/parish-elections.html