Two candidates will compete to represent the west ward in Richmond at a town council by-election tomorrow.
The polls will be open from 7am to 10pm, with polling stations in the Market Hall and Methodist Hall.
The two men contesting the by-election are independent candidate Niall Cheyne and Liberal Democrat Paul Harrison.
Originally from Croft, Niall moved to west ward in 1998.
He said: “I am a keen runner with Swaledale Running Club having been a member for over 20 years.
“I volunteer with ABLE which supports adults with learning difficulties, helping with sports motivation and limited movement issues.”
Niall added: “I have witnessed the recent issues with west ward with the anti-social behaviour and associated bad press and concerns of the residents.
“I would like to work towards Improving the atmosphere, litter reduction and safety of all concerned.
“I feel there is a great need for increased youth facilities in the town. I fully support the protection of green spaces in the local plan.”
Niall said he was standing as a candidate with no party political affiliation as he believed there was no place for party politics at town council level.
Headteacher turned businessman, Paul Harrison said he wanted to help put the market back in market town.
He aims to use his experience of founding and running two local companies to be a voice for small business on the council.
Married dad-of-two Paul is keen to support the work underway to reinvigorate Richmond markets.
He said: “It’s encouraging to see a working group looking in to how to boost our indoor market.
“I’d love to support that and extend the thinking to our outdoor market too.”
“Our marketplace is a huge asset for the town – but we could do so much more with it to help serve residents and attract visitors.
“This is an area where the town council can make an enormous difference and stave off the high street decline seen in so many British market towns.”
