MIDDLEWICH residents will elect a new town councillor tomorrow, with two candidates going head-to-head for the vacant Cledford ward position.

Ahead of polling day, the Guardian has spoken to Labour candidate Jonathan Parry and Middlewich First candidate Paul Edwards.

Mr Parry, a Warmingham Lane resident who has been involved with many Middlewich community projects and campaigns, says he hopes to turn around what he sees as the town’s recent slump.

He said: “I have been campaigning with residents because I want to see Middlewich become a better place and I find that my views are shared by residents.

“They want some kind of change and someone who will fight for them, which is what I will do. That’s who I care about. I want to communicate with them on a regular basis. I love Middlewich.

“That’s my favourite bit, is speaking to the residents. I have had some fantastic conversations on the doorstep. I’m a member of Middlewich community and I want the same as them, and I want to fight for that.”

Mr Edwards spent 12 years on Middlewich Town Council, before stepping down at the most recent elections in 2015. However, he threw his hat into the ring to oppose what he called “misinformation” being distributed by Labour.

He said: “I will not make false promises for things I cannot influence or change, but I am determined to carry on finding ways of bringing new investment into the town through the events, markets and business development programmes we are working on through Middlewich Vision and the town council.

"I do have a proven record of delivering positives for the town and will continue to push for more if elected."

Mr Edwards has previously indicated that he will also focus on channelling more investment into parks, play areas and schools, while also working to get more police on the beat and complete the bypass.

Polls will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday to a total of 5,434 eligible voters.

Each of the candidates has held separate events to meet the public and discuss their ideas.