Here are the candidates in the running to represent the Chard Combe ward on South Somerset District Council.

Residents are being asked to cast their vote on May 2.

They will also be asked to vote for representatives for their local town/parish council.

The one candidate with the most votes out of these two profiles will be elected to the district council.

Opinions given below are those of the candidate or their party.

Patricia O'Brien, Liberal Democrat

As a resident of Chard for over twenty years I have become part of the community we have in the town and worked on many of the community events.

For the last 15 years I have been a credit controller for a local employee owned plant hire company.

I have a passion for being involved with the young people of Chard and have been Chair of The Chard Area Youth Committee in the town for seven years, helping to provide youth provision at the Young People’s Centre in Essex Close.

I do not feel it is right to make promises but if I was chosen by the residents of our town to serve on the District and Town Council I would be in a better position to take up the gauntlet and fight for the things our town deserves as being part of South Somerset.

Victoria Whiteman, Conservative

Victoria is standing for District and Town in Combe Ward.

She and her family live in Chard, and her family has long standing links with the town.

She has been working in the local community supporting people with Special Needs and is determined to improve the lives of everyone in Chard.

During Victoria’s time in the town she has been proactive in the various local groups of which she is and has been a member.

She enjoys a challenge and is determined to improve life in Chard.