ANTONY Nickolls is standing for the LibDems in the Fairfax East by election on Monday, December 18.

Antony knows and loves Bridgwater, where he grew up.

He said: “I’ve lived here all my life. My family are from here.

"I know many, many people in the town and love the sense of community here. I’m proud of Bridgwater and its people.

“My dad, Adrian, was a councillor for many, many years here, so I suppose you could say I grew up with an interest in politics, and, for me, politics is all about trying to make a difference to local people, helping solve problems for them and improve their lives.”

Having helped manage café and drop-in centre at the church he attends, he became interested in helping homeless people and he now works full-time for a charity, helping young adults find accommodation and supporting them when they do.

“It’s very rewarding work," he added, "but I know better than most the challenges young people face in trying to find affordable housing or trying to access the dwindling stock of social housing.

"Of course, this impacts not only the young, but older people as well and often means children are living at their parents’ homes, when they want to make lives for themselves.”

Antony said: “I see people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, having very little cash left after paying accommodation and heating bills.

"It’s driving real poverty, something that really needs to be urgently addressed.

"But there are other local issues that need to be addressed: new housing needs to be built, but large developments on picturesque farmland that ends up as an estate without facilities – no schools or other infrastructure – is not how to do it. It has to be a joined-up approach, not just one focused on developer profits.

“I’m also concerned about anti-social behaviour in the ward. We must find ways of tackling that, because it’s making some people’s life a misery; also, road safety is a concern.

"The LibDems are campaigning for a 20mph limit on the Bower Estate because on those roads that is the only sensible limit. There needs to be enforcement of speed limits as well.”

Antony is out and about talking to local people every day and thinks this grassroots knowledge will help him represent the ward, should he be elected.

He said: “I grew up on the neighbouring Sydenham estate, so I know the area and its people very well.

"Having a LibDem as ward councillor would benefit Fairfax East in many ways, not least as it would put their representative within the ruling group in Somerset Council. I would be an active voice in that group and could get things done.”

Outside politics and work, Antony is a keen music fan and often attends local gigs. He has played hockey for Bridgwater, is keen on photography and is a football fan.

“My aim is to make a better Bridgwater for all who live in it," he added. "There is no better party to be in to help achieve that aim than the LibDems."