Opinion: Cathy Maunder on why she should be elected to Honiton Town Council in this month's election

Hi, I'm Cathy Maunder and I am standing in the forthcoming election for Honiton Town Council - St Michael's Ward.

I have lived in Honiton since 1970, however my maternal family have lived in Honiton for generations. My father was the first local community police officer.

I have worked in hospitality venues and retail in Honiton for many years and in that time I have built and maintained many strong friendships within our community.

For the past 15 years I have worked in health and social care supporting adults with learning difficulties in Honiton.

Four years ago I set up my own business as a micro provider offering help and support to families with children and young adults who have additional needs.

My hopes going forward is to have more accessible events providing all-inclusive activities, for example offering a cinema club, evening coffee shop, workshops and drop-in-morning providing essential information for the vulnerable members of the community.

Honiton has a large, supported living community who currently have limited opportunities and I am passionate about rectifying this situation - I strongly believe that everyone has a voice and a choice!

I have spoken to parents and the main point that repeatedly comes up is the lack of facilities for our children and teenagers in Honiton. I would love to give the next generation the opportunities to make happy memories, like I have.

Having lived in Honiton for over 50 years I would love to continue the traditions whilst also embracing the opportunities to create new ones.

I am proud to call myself a Honitonian and would one day love to be remembered as a local character.

Please vote for me as I promise I will do all I can to make Honiton even more special than it is already!

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The other candidates who are standing for election in St Michael's Ward are Jenny Brown, Robert Fowles, Andrew Pearsall, Lisa Beigan and John Taylor.

The election will be held on Thursday March 10 between 7am and 10pm.

The polling stations are Honiton Library on New Street and The Heathfield Inn on Walnut Road.

There will be no election for St. Paul's Ward because there were only three applications for four available positions. Applications were received from Joseph Furneaux-Gotch, Debra Hulin and Caroline Kolek.