MACHYNLLETH residents go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) to elect two new town councillors.

Machynlleth Town Council has been left two members short following the death of deputy mayor Sylvia Rowlands in a car crash and the resignation of former councillor James Goodband.

It was announced last month that an election would be held on Thursday, 11 January, and polling cards sent out to residents.

Three candidates have put their names forward— former councillor and mayor Eric Hughes, and Welsh Labour candidates Simon Morpeth and Andy Tack.

The Cambrian News spoke to the candidates about their priorities and why they deserve your vote.

Mr Hughes said: “The county council has done away with many services for the elderly, including the senior citizen’s trips.

“They shouldn’t have been cancelled. People were taken away for the day and given an evening meal on the way back, and then Christmas dinner every year.

“People are approaching me about it all the time. I want to fight for senior citizens’ services in the community.”

Mr Morpeth said: “I have lived and worked in the Dyfi Valley for 20 years. I have often shouted from the sidelines so feel like now it is time to get involved on the pitch.

“If I am successful I would like to learn what people’s hopes and fears are for Machynlleth, and ideas they have for the future because ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has’.”

And Mr Tack said: “I have lived and worked in Machynlleth for over 30 years and would appreciate people’s support as town councillor.

“If elected I would strive to maintain the services we currently have and fight to reinstate the services we have lost.

“I would look at ideas to help promote Machynlleth as the diverse and vibrant town in which we live.”

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