FRAMPTON Cotterell ward includes far more than the village it is named after.
One of South Gloucestershire’s biggest wards by size, it stretches from the M4 near Henfield in the south, through Kendleshire, Coalpit Heath and Frampton Cotterell itself, then through Mayshill, Nibley, Iron Acton and Engine Common, including some mainly non-residential areas on the outskirts of Yate.
The ward then continues north through Latteridge, Rangeworthy, Itchington and Tytherington, ending north west of the M5 just outside Thornbury.
The ward covers five parishes, including the Coalpit Heath part of Westerleigh & Coalpit Heath parish.
It is also one of the biggest wards by population, with more than 10,000 voters at the last local elections.
Back in 2019, the Liberal Democrats won all three of the available seats, with the third-placed Lib Dem candidate 265 votes ahead of the leading Conservative in fourth.
An independent candidate came seventh, ahead of three Labour candidates.
This time around there are nine candidates standing for election: three Lib Dems, three Tories, two Labour and one from the Green Party.
The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.
They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.
Tristan Clark (Liberal Democrat)
Tristan campaigns for the restoration of cut bus services and opposes unsustainable housing developments. He has represented Coalpit Heath on Westerleigh Parish Council since 2017 and been Vice Chair of Frampton Cotterell Parish Council since 2020. He lives in Coalpit Heath, attended local schools and works for Tesco in Yate.
Carolina Echegaray (Green)
“My partner and I live in Frampton Cotterell, running a business making bicycle frames. Local issues like transport infrastructure, housing and development, and green spaces are at the heart of Green Party politics. Good solutions are crucial in addressing the climate crisis and improving quality of life in our communities.”
Tom Howell (Conservative)
Tom lives in Coalpit Heath and previously worked in a South Gloucestershire pub, before working as a local caseworker. Tom enjoys watching football and walks with his family. Tom is hoping to secure a return of health services to Frenchay, as well as rolling out soft-plastic recycling to every home.
Jon Lean (Liberal Democrat)
Jon is passionate about local issues and is leading our campaign to stop water companies discharging sewage into our rivers. He has campaigned successfully on road surfaces, the nature reserve and more. On South Glos his business experience is invaluable as he leads for the Lib Dems on budget issues.
Roger Millard (Labour)
Roger Millard has lived in Frampton Cotterell since 1976 and has served as both a Parish Councillor and a School Governor for several local schools.
Tim Niblett (Conservative)
Tim has lived in Frampton Cotterell for 55 years and worked in the local Aerospace Industry. Tim’s hobbies include motorcycling, rugby and golf. Tim is passionate about village life and has campaigned to bring our local roads up to standard and to reinstate vital bus services in our villages.
Andy Pullen (Conservative)
Andy lives in Coalpit Heath with his wife and three children. Andy is passionate about sport and has played for Frampton Cotterell RFC. In addition to watching his rugby team, Andy enjoys travel, gardening and DIY. Andy is passionate about securing more investment for local sports clubs and community facilities.
Jonathan Trollope (Labour)
Jonathan stood for the Labour Party in Westerleigh in 2015 and then again in Frampton Cotterell in 2019. Committed to social justice, equality and sustainability, he has campaigned on a number of local issues including street lighting and affordable housing.
Claire Young (Liberal Democrat)
Claire has a long record of standing up for residents – including campaigning to protect our countryside and improve local transport. She proposed the council’s Climate Emergency declaration and chaired a Special Educational Needs review. An environmental researcher and Lib Dem Group Leader, she lives with her family in Coalpit Heath.
POLLING takes place from 7am to 10pm on Thursday, May 4, with counting getting underway immediately afterwards.
For the first time, all voters will need to bring formal photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport, with them to the polling station or face being turned away.