Election battle hots up in Hay-on-Wye (From Hereford Times)

Election battle hots up in Hay-on-Wye

11:00am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in Hay-on-Wye

THE future of Hay-on-Wye’s bookshops and the threat of a supermarket takeover will loom large over next week's local elections.

When voters across Powys head to the polls next Thursday (May 3) it will be a tightly contested race in Hay where there are 17 candidates standing for 11 places on the town council – the first time in years there has been real competition for seats.

Among the existing councillors hoping to be re-elected is Gareth Ratcliffe, whose seat on Powys County Council is uncontested, and current mayor Mary Fellowes.

Peter Lloyd, David Gittins and Karl Showler are stepping down from the town council.

New contenders include Rodney Mace, Rhona Muirhead, David Penrose, Richard Evans, Karen Baistow Clare, Sue Campbell-Felgate, Ros Garratt, Liz Singh and Ellie Spencer.

Elections will also be taking place in Glasbury, Presteigne and Norton, Knighton, New Radnor, and Clyro.

• At 7pm tonight (Wednesday, April 25) Hay Town Council candidates are attending a public meeting at the parish hall ahead of the election.