CANDIDATES standing for Girvan and South Carrick in May’s local elections have been announced.

Those elected in ward eight will represent the town and the surrounding villages including Maidens, Kirkoswald, Turnberry, Dailly, Old Dailly, Barr, Lendalfoot, Pinmore, Pinwherry, Colmonell, Barrhill and Ballantrae.

Ayr Advertiser:

Peter Henderson will stand for the SNP. Speaking on his campaign page he said: “I am honoured and proud to be selected as the SNP candidate for ward 8 Girvan and South Carrick for the local Government Elections on May 4.

“A strong voice and group is required to our diverse area and needs are heard.”

Ayr Advertiser:

Owen Martin represents Labour. He said: “I am currently employed full-time as a gardener with South Ayrshire Council. If I am fortunate enough to be elected I would resign from this position. 

“Over the last forty years I have worked for some of the major employers in this area. I firmly believe in workers rights and the right of every worker to earn a decent wage and benefit from good terms and conditions from their employers. 

“So I would always try and argue for any investment that would attract new good quality employment to this area or any investment that would help established businesses recruit more staff.”

Karen Clark will stand as an Independent candidate. Posting on her campaign page she said: “I am delighted to announce that this year I am running for local election as an Independent candidate. 

“This really is my dream, I am truly passionate about our area, communities and most importantly our people.”

Ayr Advertiser:

Cllr Alec Clark will stand again as an independent candidate. He has already been elected for five years and hopes to turn his time in office into a decade.

He said: "I have always been a communities person. It is a strong point. The bottom line is I support the communities in any way I can. 

"I was born and brought up in Girvan and I spent my early working years here. I know the people and I know the problems they face. I am proud we have a strong voice.

"I feel we have achieved the South Carrick Community Leisure Centre which will be an economic generator for the town and villages. 

"The people of Girvan did not give up when their leisure centre was closed and that is something to be congratulated. I have been working with Hillcrest and Friends of Hillcrest to make sure we are taking that forward.

"I have pushed forward issues that have been important to the rural communities for five years and I will continue to help if I am re-elected. I am pleased with what I have achieved so far but there is so much more to do and I want the chance to keep going."

Ian Fitzsimmons is the candidate for the Scottish Conservatives who will carry forward their manifesto if he is elected for ward eight. In the run up to the election the Carrick Herald will have more information from all the candidates.