Voters are hitting the polling stations today for a Wilmslow Town Council by-election.
Two candidates are going head to head in the election for the Wilmslow East ward.
The vacancy opened up when former councillor Sue Menlove died in August after a short battle with cancer.
Her husband Conservative Rod Menlove is standing to fill her seat against Independent David Jefferay, a candidate for the Residents of Wilmslow (RoW) group set up to fight issues including protecting the town’s green belt.
RoW hopes Mr Jefferay will become the second non-Conservative to join the council since it formed in May 2011.
Mr Jefferay, who lives on Knutsford Road with partner Louise, has lived in Wilmslow most of his life, attending Lindow Primary School and Wilmslow High School.
He runs a business providing training courses to the nuclear industry and is a volunteer at Wilmslow Animal Sanctuary.
He said: “We have said we don’t want development on the green belt.
“Research by RoW proves there are adequate brownfield and windfall sites to meet housing targets, yet these views are being ignored.
“The Town Council has made great in-roads into making the town more presentable but there is a lot more to be done.
“I will work to ensure the voices of the residents are heard - above party politics.”
Rod Menlove, a grandfather of two, has lived in the ward for 30 years and is already a councillor, representing Wilmslow East on Cheshire East for eight years.
He was a member of the Round Table for many years, chairman of Wilmslow High School PTA and a governor at Styal Primary School.
Mr Menlove said: “I wish with all my heart this election was not necessary but owe it to my wife Sue to complete her term of office.
“I support building on brownfield before green areas and allowing offices to be converted to housing.
“I oppose housing on the Royal London site and the Welton Oaks development.”
The by-election is today Thursday, November 13. Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm at Lindow Cricket Club and Wilmslow Leisure Centre.
