There are seven candidates vying for two seats in Howlands – read below to find out who they are and what they stand for.

Both seats are currently held by the Conservative Party.

Liberal Democrat – Jonquil Basch, of Heather Road, WGC

Jonquil was born and has lived in WGC all her life. She is passionate about maintaining the values and the spirit of the town.

She has huge personal concerns about the financial squeeze and the impact it will have on local services, and will fight to maintain these.

Has been a Liberal Democrat all her voting life and believes ours is the only party with the insight and commitment to achieving positive results in our community.

Labour – Alan Chesterman, of Homestead Lane, WGC

Liberal Democrat – Caroline Duke, of Ludwick Way, WGC

Caroline Duke lives locally and knows the community and would love to serve as a councillor.

As a former nurse, Caroline is passionate about health care.

She is currently retraining as an archeologist and is working on heritage projects in the Garden City.

Conservative – David Hughes, of Heronswood Road, WGC

Conservative – Stan Tunstall, of Chilton Green, WGC

Our pledges for Howlands:

? We will work with you towards solving the problem of non-residents parking in your streets

? We will encourage activities for young people in order to reduce antisocial behaviour

? We will ensure that Howlands has priority when it comes to street cleansing and refuse collection

Labour – Dean Milliken, of Linkfield, WGC

"I have lived in Welwyn Garden City for many years with my family. My daughter goes to Commonswood School.

"I work locally for a bus company and as a result know the area and its people very well.

"I am standing as a candidate because I feel it is vital that ordinary, decent people are given a real voice in these tough times. I pledges to hold local surgeries in order to work for residents who need help and to always listen to local people in order to represent their views effectively."

Green – Jill Weston, of Meadway, WGC

"I have lived near Howlands Ward for 26 years and worked in the ward for eight years.

My aims are to:

• ensure the community centre in Howlands Ward goes from strength to strength, providing local people, including children and young people, with a place to meet, learn and enjoy themselves

• fight to stop Tesco building a megastore in Broadwater Road – this would devastate our town centre

• fight to stop an incinerator being built in Hatfield – bad for people and the environment

• fight to have more renewable energy, including solar panels on our council buildings"