TWO SEATS are up for grabs on the Alderley Edge Parish Council and Thursday, March 26, is the day for voters to fill them.

The parish council wanabees vying for your by-election votes are two candidates from the Conservative camp and two independent candidates from the Parish Plan steering group.

Conservatives Matthew Lloyd and Alan Jones say they will best be able to work with local authorities to serve Alderley Edge and independents Keith Lowe and Nicholas Ridings say they will better implement the Parish Plan as members of the parish council.

All candidates are backing the Parish Plan, established 18 months ago, as a way to reflect the views of all residents, preserve the character of the village and improve local amentities.

The Conservatives want to take advantage of the new bypass, move forward the ideas on the Parish Plan and support the parish-funded community policing.

Dad of one Matthew Lloyd, 45, is the managing director of an IT consultancy and Alderley resident of ten years, who lives with wife Nicola.

He said: "It’s an exciting time for the parish council, the bypass gives an opportunity to really improve the environment in the village and increase a sense of community. And with Cheshire East coming in we have a better opportunity to strengthen the parish council’s voice."

Resident of 16 years Alan Jones, 69, a recently-retired business consultant and manufacturing company director, who lives with wife Jean, said: "Jean and I chose Alderley as an ideal place to live and I want to keep it that way.  We need to make the most of the bypass and address parking facilities and the imbalance of property development in the village. I want to extend community policing and make the parish plan happen for all residents."

Contesting the seats and standing on a "non-party" basis are Nicholas and Keith with the message "vote parish people for parish work".

The "parish people" say they can best steer the Parish Plan from the council and with the knowledge they already have from a resident survey.

Dad of five Keith, 56, who is married to Sue and works for consultancy, is chairman of the Alderley Edge Festival and a resident of seven years.

He said: "We want Alderley residents to steer the cultural, social and environmental direction of our village. We believe in giving back something to our surroundings, making a difference to where we live and creating a sense of village unity to improve Alderley Edge now and in the future."

Steering group chairman, resident of 14 years and dad of one Nicholas Ridings, 47, a company director, married to Ruth, said: "The 817 resident questionnaires we received revealed a consensus of views that cut across party lines and told us what people want in the village.

"This election is not based on political issues but on the challenges that unite the village and on the council I can drive through our plans on behalf of all residents."

Support for the independents comes from parish councillor Paul Tomlinson, who said: "Nick and Keith have worked tirelessly for the people of the village and I think it’s fantastic they are standing. The parish council is about what’s right for the village, not about political desires."

Voting will take place at polling stations at venues across the village which are open from 8am-10pm.