There are three candidates in Handside – read below to find out who they are and what they stand for.

This seat is currently held by the Conservative Party.

Labour – Sarah Carthew, of Fordwich Road, WGC

As a mother to a teenage son, I’m worried about our children’s future under the Conservatives/Liberal Democrats.

Family budgets are under pressure and vital services are being cut. I’ll give local people a voice in decisions being taken by the council.

I have lived in Handside for over ten years.

I’m chair of the Welwyn Hatfield Women’s Refuge, a board member at Gosling Sports Park and am a senior manager at the University of Westminster.

I have chaired and sat on school governing bodies, been a national Board member of MLA and chaired the Eastern Region Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Liberal Democrat – Nigel Quinton, of Lemsford Village

Nigel had a successful career in industry before putting energy into his role as a Handside councillor where he served from 2006 to 2008. Nigel now divides his time between consulting and local campaigning issues.

Whilst a councillor Nigel was a Borough Health Champion, and set up the council’s Health Working Group which continues to improve NHS provision in the area.

He campaigned to save the Stanborough Poplars and for Hatfield Against Incineration. He belongs to the Transition Town movement and leads the local Energy Group, looking at ways to improve access to renewable energy, and energy saving initiatives.

Conservative – Fiona Thomson*, of Attimore Road, WGC

My pledges for Handside:

? I will stand up for residents and make sure their views are heard over the proposed development on Broadwater Road

? I will continue working to maintain and improve our wonderful environment

? I will carry on working with Community Safety Groups to help keep our neighbourhood safe

*sitting councillor