A LIFELONG Bridgwater resident and local business owner will stand in the upcoming town council by-election.

Pelé Barnes hopes to keep 'political madness' out of the local council if elected.

Born and raised in Bridgwater, Pelé grew up on Parkway and went to Sydenham School and East Bridgwater Community College.

You may recognise him from his long stint as a local postie for the town.

He has also volunteered in schools, and spent time as a self-employed construction worker.

Pelé feels his experience of working life makes him able to better understand locals' needs and mutual understanding of month-to-month wages.

He believes his freedom from the political ties of the higher government will ensure he can vote for what is best for the residents of the Fairfax East ward.

"Just looking at the news every day; Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat leaders are making poor decisions, no moral principles and no party in government at the moment has anything to relate to the general public or their lives," he said.

Veterans' Day at the Bridgwater Hub, Children's hospice, and helping Homeless people get back into employment are just some of the ways Pelé has already impacted on the local community.

Empty shops in Bridgwater town centre are a high priority on Pelé's to-do list, as he hopes to get them filled with new businesses by having the council spend less money on road repairs and restructures.

As well as this, he has promised to follow the core values of independence, integrity, positivity, creativity, and respect.

Pelé loves his hometown of Bridgwater and hopes to bring about major change in the town and county, starting in Bridgwater Fairfax East.

The election date is set for Monday, December 18.