Voters in an Aberystwyth ward will go to the polls on Thursday to elect a new town councillor.

Four candidates will contest the Aberystwyth Town Council by-election on 7 March to replace former North Ward councillor Sara Hammel, who resigned her position late last year.

Nia Edwards-Behi (Plaid Cymru), Curtis Howard (Labour), Julius Parker (Liberal Democrats) and CJ Peasley (Independent) were all nominated for the seat before the deadline last month and will fight the election.

Sara Hammel, who was one of the council’s youngest members at 25, was elected to the council in the 2017 elections representing Plaid Cymru.

Hoping to replace her for Plaid, Nia Edwards-Behi, who has lived in Aberystwyth since 2004, said that “making Aberystwyth the best place it can be for its residents is [her] top priority”.

“I’ve spoken to a wide range of residents and raised ideas about what they want to see happen to develop North Ward and maintain Aberystwyth as a safe and welcoming town,” she said.

“If elected, I will bring these ideas to the town council and campaign to make sure that everyone has an equal voice in the decisions made in the town.

“I hope to continue the good work that has already been started by councillors, local groups and individuals, such as the sustainable development of North Road Park and the continued protection of Parc Natur Penglais, as well as to ensure that the ward and the town evolves and grows in a way that benefits all of its residents, young and old. Fairness is an important quality to me personally and professionally, and that’s an ethos I would hope to bring to my place on town council as well.”

Curtis Howard of Labour, who lives in the ward, said he is “committed to working for its residents, and the residents of the town.”

“We have two excellent Labour members on the Plaid-dominated town council,” he said.

‘A third Labour member will help Labour promote better conditions for residents in North Ward and the town, and campaign against the Plaid-led county council cuts to our services.

“I am committed to using my position on the council to stand up against sell-offs and the privatisation of council owned assets, lobby for further improvements in bin collections and waste management, and fight for better environmental protections for a cleaner and greener town.

“A bigger Labour group on the town council will help ensure our town meets the pressing challenges we face with principle and a forward­-looking, anti-austerity outlook.­”

Julius Parker, who also contested the ward seat for the Liberal Democrats in 2017 said: “People in North Ward deserve a councillor who will put them first and work hard all year round.

“I am standing to offer this community the opportunity to get positive change.

“The Liberal Democrats demand better, that’s why we are the only party raising the issues of elderly care provision and the importance of green spaces locally.

“A vote for me on 7 March is a vote for someone who’ll be a strong independent voice for North Ward and get things done.”

CJ Peasley, standing as an Independent, lives in Cliff Terrace.

“I pledge to consider climate change and take account of future generations in all decisions made by the town council,” she said.

“I am standing as an Independent because I feel that sometimes the parties need an extra push to work together to prioritise the needs of the town. It’s all about co-operating and working together.”