MIDDLEWICH Labour has put forward its candidate for the upcoming Cledford ward town council by-election.

Jonathan Parry, of Warmingham Lane, was selected by members to represent the party at the election which, if contested, will take place on Thursday, August 18.

The by-election was forced when Cledford residents, including a large number of Middlewich Labour members, declared their interest in electing a replacement for Ukip Cllr Alan Brookes.

Mr Brookes was removed following a six-month absence from Middlewich Town Council meetings, and council procedure require 10 signatures to hold a by-election.

More than 20 Cledford residents signed, meaning members of the public can stand for council.

Mr Parry regularly attends town and borough council meetings, and has helped organise Middlewich Speed Watch and Neighbourhood Watch in cooperation with the police.

He told Labour members: “If elected I will repay your trust in me by standing up for all the people of Middlewich.

“I have worked tirelessly with local residents, alongside Labour councillors and Cllr David Latham, to oppose the ANSA waste site on Cledford Lane. The fight continues and I will be a strong voice on the town council for this cause.

“I was appalled to see Middlewich First town councillors vote for 2,000 more houses to be built in Middlewich whilst opposing any requirement for the crucial eastern bypass to be built first.

“These decisions matter because they affect people’s health, wealth and quality of life. I represent a change of direction and fresh ideas. I believe we can make Middlewich better for all.”

Middlewich Town Council is made up of 12 councillors, six apiece from the Cledford and Kinderton wards.

In the past two elections, not enough Cledford candidates have stood to force an election, instead being installed co-opted onto the council.