In the run up to the Stroud District Council elections on May 5, the SNJ will be profiling each of the candidates standing in all 27 wards.

Each party candidate will give voters information about who they are, what their pledges are and why you should vote for them.

These profiles will be posted alphabetically by ward over the next week.

Today we feature Severn, Stonehouse, Stroud Central, Farmhill and Paganhill, Slade and Trinity.

Look back at previous articles throughout the week for wards A-R.

Farmhill and Paganhill - There are four candidates standing in this ward. Number of seats – one.

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  • Paul Mapplebeck - Labour

Paul has lived in Paganhill for over six years and has served on Stroud Town Council.

He is retired from his employment in several Local Authorities, so can now devote more of his time to work for his local community.

Should he be elected, his experience of working with children and families will help ensure that services and facilities vital to their welfare continue to be provided.

He believes it is essential to continue to build on the achievements made by the Labour led Council and contribute to the momentum in carrying this forward.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys watching Forest Green Rovers, walking and spending time with his four grandchildren.

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  • Haydn Sutton - Conservative

I have lived in Parkend for over 28 years. I have represented Farmhill and Paganhill on the Town Council for over years 20 years and for the last year on District.

Brought up and educated in Stroud I know the area very well. My business has always been within the Stroud District and my immediate family all live locally.

I sing in two choirs, chair Cainscross Allotment Association, am a member of the Maypole Society and support the Maypole Hall Committee and Stroud Rugby Club.

I believe in good, honest, open and fair representation and that community is very important.

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  • Brian Nimblette – Green Party

Brian lives in Cashes Green Road with his wife Brigitte, and daughter (now at University).

I'm relatively new to this part of the world, here in the South West, having moved from London just six years ago.

Stroud, to our surprise - and delight - turns out to be a vibrant, friendly community which we are both enjoying enormously. I particularly enjoy riding the countryside on my bike almost every day, winter and summer. Before moving to Stroud, my family and I worked overseas for some 10 years in Christian medical and renewable energy development NGOs.

I'm currently a member of Cotwold Canal Trust, Transition Stroud and support SATC (Stroud Against the Cuts). We regularly attend and enjoy the diverse events at the Subscription Rooms.

I strongly believe that local councils can make a positive contribution to community life, in all sort of ways, and that is why I want to become a councillor and play my part in that work.

I'm particularly keen to encourage more local say in building a sustainable community against the threat of losing ever more decision-making to corporate sponsored government."

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  • Harry Carr – Independent

The SNJ was not able to contact Mr Carr for a statement.