Devon County Council elections are being held next Thursday, with four candidates standing in the Dartmouth and Marldon ward.

The current Devon County Councillor for Dartmouth and Marldon is Jonathan Hawkins – Conservative, who is standing for reelection, battling against Susie Jackson – Liberal Democrats, Tessa Lannin – Labour and Heather Nicholson – Green.

Cllr Hawkins said: "I have been fortunate to live in our community for over forty years, moving here with my family when I was three. I am now at the age to be able to say that I have seen many changes. While some have been of concern, we have to move forward and there have been many positive achievements.

"Although we have many second homes, we have a vibrant and enthusiastic community, and when we work together we can achieve much.

"Dartmouth, Townstal and Kingswear have BIG HEARTS. I care deeply for the area in which I was raised and have my own small business – Mainline.

"We are going through financially hard times that is why we have to get value for money from our councils and ensure our services are protected.

"Being a parish, district councillor, I am in a unique place to work for you. It is not possible to please everyone, but I have and will continue to listen, learn and serve you at County Hall."

Heather Nicholson – Green, said: "I’m a mother of three sons and a grandmother to three young granddaughters and one young grandson.

"Although I’m a Lincolnshire person I have lived in Totnes for 40 years. I am married to an ex-naval man and because of that I have been a home parent, keenly involved with the growth of our children.

"I’m a nutritionist and craniosacral therapist and interested in learning – be it German, playing saxophone or how to be a better mother-in-law!

"I believe that to restore some form of hopefulness for the next generation, I need to be active in helping nature regain its health. Children learn from, and copy parents and grandparents. I am passionate about supporting children to love the planet, including the worms and bees, to care enough to use their power in a cooperative, intelligent and loving way.

"This is why I cherish working amongst the Greens. I support Caroline Lucas and her aims of working together. We all have more in common than differences."

Tessa Lannin – Labour said: “I am standing to be Councillor for Dartmouth and Marldon because of my deep concern over cuts to vital public services.

“I love living in the South Hams, I grew up here and moved back 12 years ago with my husband and children. I understand the challenges working families face in South Devon, dealing with high housing and travel costs, depressed wages and a limited job market.

“I have 17 years of experience in Housing, and have seen how national and local government policy can improve the lives of individuals, families and communities, or create poverty and hardship.

“Labour policies are about putting people first, not profits. Every child should get a quality education. Older people should have the care they need.

“Tory cuts in Education, the closure of Community Hospitals, the lack of affordable housing, the crisis in Social Care, there are so many issues facing our community, but as a Councillor I will fight for the essential public services we need and work to build thriving and sustainable communities in Dartmouth and across the South Hams!”

The Liberal Democrats were contacted repeatedly but were unable to respond before the time of going to press.