A bridge campaigner, a founding member of the local Rotary Club, a GP and a former hospice volunteer are among the candidates for the Liberal Democrats at the upcoming local elections in Cheshire West and Chester.

The borough goes to the polls for the first time since 2019 on Thursday, May 4, with every one of its 70 council seats across 45 wards being fiercely contested.

Depending on their ward, residents will be able to choose from Labour, Conservative, Green, Liberal Democrat, Reform UK, Trade Unionist and Socialist, Alliance for Democracy and Freedom, as well as a number of independent candidates.

Hoping to win the seat of Winnington and Castle for the Liberal Democrats will be Lee Siddall. An independent councillor on Northwich Town Council for the last two years, he will be running in yellow in the borough elections and said he has a ‘clear and ambitious’ vision for the town.

He previously campaigned for 24 hours on Winnington Bridge to raise awareness of what he said were  issues around infrastructure if new housing estates were given the green light.

He told the Guardian: “I dream of a regenerated Weaver Square, a reopened Northwich Library, and a repaired and reopened Soot Hill.

“I want to see Moss Farm transformed into facilities that will serve Northwich for generations to come. The Northwich infirmary is a critical component of our community, and I have pledged to protect it and have worked with residents to protect it.”

Also contesting Winnington & Castle will be Keith Hinde. A founder member of the Rotary Club, he works closely with Northwich Community Support on food bank collections.

He said that if elected, he wants to work with Cheshire West and Chester council to 'support residents who are struggling with the cost of living'.

Northwich Guardian: Helena Conlon. Helena Conlon. (Image: Liberal Democrats.)

Helena Conlon will be running in Winsford Over and Verdin. She is involved in local craft and wildlife groups and was previously a volunteer for St Luke’s Hospice.

She said: “Working in retail banking for many years I developed strong business and money management skills. Having previously looked after family matters, I now have the time and energy to look after the affairs of this ward.”

In Frodsham, GP Patrick Eakin said he wants to ensure residents have the opportunity to live a healthy and active life.

He said: “Like many, I have a young family, and I believe we have a duty to conserve and nurture the environment for future generations.

“I have lived in Frodsham for eight years now, and I have also been a town councillor for the last two years.  In that time, I have come to understand some of its wonderful charm that has led me to call it home, but also some of the problems.  This is why I am standing.”

A full list of candidates can be found here.