AHEAD of the town council by-election on May 4, we asked the three candidates - Rebecca O'Rourke, David Stephenson and Jon Wells-Bradshaw - what they would do to help the area.

Scroll down to read what all three had to say.

REBECCA O’Rourke, the independent candidate who lives in Longridge, says her first venture into politics has been inspired by various community projects around the estate, and a need for organised activities to keep children active and out of trouble.

Rebecca said: “I think I am best placed to understand what the needs of the ward are. I don’t think this part of Knutsford has much of a voice – I want to help that.

“I’m very community-minded and do lots of volunteering. I want to bring the community side of the area to the fore.

“People need someone to stand up for them and say ‘we are part of Knutsford too’. The town is so diverse.

“Most of my ideas have stemmed from my personal experience of the estate, and will benefit the ward as a whole – problems with young people and ASB. It’s because there is nothing organised for them to do and we need more organised activities.

“I’m not affiliated to any part and everything I do will be for the good of the community, for the benefit of everyone around here.”

Rebecca, who has a degree in English Literature from the University of Derby, is looking to target road safety - particularly around schools - and bring events to the ward.

To see more of what she hopes to achieve on Knutsford Town Council, follow Rebecca on Twitter @RebeccaorourkeO.

DAVID Stephenson, of Bexton Lane, is standing as a Labour party candidate and hopes that bringing fresh representation to the town council would benefit Over ward residents.

He said: “From the exposure I have had to the town council, I feel that there is quite a lack of diversity in political views, and I feel that the community could be better served by having a range of views on the council.

“I think there is a potential risk of group think within the council, and so I would be looking to put in – if appropriate – an alternative view to the ones that are the consensus.

“In reality, as a lone member of the Labour party, there is limited opportunity to drive substantial change, but I think I can act as a good voice for a group of people, and the people of the Over ward aren’t necessarily represented at the moment.

“I share voters’ ambitions to make Knutsford a better place to live.”

David is a governor at Knutsford Academy, and says he has a particular interest in protecting the quality of education in the town.

He would also push to maintain NHS services in the town, particularly for the benefit of people who would otherwise have to rely on public transport.

A road user by bicycle, motorbike and car, he would also look to secure adequate investment in road maintenance.

Follow David @David_KTC

JON Wells-Bradshaw, who lives in Chelford road, will represent the Conservative party on May 4 and says that he has the time and the commitment to give a voice to an area that is on the up.

Jon said: “I feel very lucky to live in Knutsford, and to be part of such a strong local community.

“I work as a team supervisor in a warehouse, and now my sons are adults, I have the time and energy to be a good town councillor - time and energy to do the job properly across the whole of Over ward.

“I will always listen and act.

“Over ward is on the up.

“The new homes that will be built, and the new jobs that will be created, are great opportunities for local people to have better local facilities.

“I will fight to get the very best we can.

“I will not make promises I cannot keep, but as a hardworking, practical guy, I will work with residents, our community groups and other decision makers to make your voice heard.

“I ask you to support me on May 4 so together we can make a positive difference to our everyday lives. I believe you get out of life what you put in.

“Let’s get stuck in and make good things happen.”

Jon can be contacted by calling 07866 790048, or by emailing jonwellsbradshaw69@outlook.com.