four candidates while there are three candidates in Ross-on-Wye West.

Ross-on-Wye East

Cathy Bevan,

Labour

I’m A Ross-on-Wye resident, parent, photographer and active community volunteer with hands on experience of organising local events, supporting schools, championing children’s well being and running small businesses.

I understand the needs and potential of our community. From co-ordinating Forest of Dean Junior Parkrun – the second oldest in the country – to raising funds for Goodrich Primary School, I’ve proven I can lead, listen and get things done.

My work with Special educational needs schools and the community garden sjows my commitment to inclusivity, education and the environment.

Ross deserves energetic, thoughtful representation. I bring creativity, organisational skills and a strong local voice to the table. I’m ready to make a difference.

Let’s grow a stronger, kinder and more vibrant Ross together.

Maggie Kilcar,

Independent

I’ve proudly called Ross-on-Wye home for the past 20 years. I’m standing as an independent candidate because I believe that local decisions should be driven by what residents need—not by party politics.

Small towns like Ross deserve a council that listens, cares, and delivers. If elected, I will:

• Work to revitalise the market, supporting local traders and making it a vibrant hub for our community.

• Push for better-maintained roads and pavements, making our town safer and more accessible.

• Be a genuine voice for the people, listening to what matters most to you and taking your concerns seriously.

This town has given me so much over the past two decades. Now, I’d like to give something back. Let’s work together for a better Ross-on-Wye.

Richard McEvoy,

Reform UK

After 22 years of military service and a decade of strategic leadership in local government – focused on Adult Social Care and supporting vulnerable people – I am deeply committed to serving Ross-on-Wye, which has been my cherished home for the past 20 years, I recognise and respect our community’s unique character, strengths and the challenges it faces.

My professional and personal journey has reinforced my commitment to selflessness, integrity, openness, honesty, accountability and leadership.

I am especially passionate about supporting local businesses, knowing that a thriving local economy is vital to community wellbeing.

I believe that robust infrastructure, addressing concerns such as flooding and parking issues, will strengthen our town’s future.

My approach to problem-solving is creative and pragmatic and I am committed to collaborative working with others to deliver meaningful, innovative solutions.

Community engagement will remain central to my work as a councillor; championing residents’ interests and striving for inclusive participation so that all voices are heard. I aim to achieve lasting, positive change for all.

Emma Vigus,

Liberal Democrats.

I’m not standing for personal ambition or on a single issue, but to help protect what makes Ross-on-Wye special and to work collaboratively with other councillors to find pragmatic solutions to some of the challenges our town and our residents face.

I grew up in a farming family in Herefordshire, so I know how important agriculture is to rural economies.

With 20 years’ leadership experience in financial services and tech businesses and, as a local small business owner, I believe I can bring competence, commitment and compassion to the role of town councillor.

I was raised with a strong work ethic. I’m standing to make a positive lasting contribution to the future of our community and support those most in need.

Additionally I shall be campaigning for the re-opening the Minor Injuries Unit in Ross; find long-term, effective solutions to flooding and drainage issues and Improve access to community banking facilities.

I believe that Ross deserves fair, honest and collaborative local leadership and I would be honoured to represent those values on the town council.

Ross-on-Wye West

Saskia Harrison,

Independent.

I’m not overtly political, I’m simply passionate about the town I live in. I’m hard working with lots of energy, I always go about with a smile, and I am sure I can make a difference locally.

I often hear that people say that Ross-on-Wye is not what it once was. They tell me that there’s much less for young people to do and that their cars bang around in the potholes and they feel sorry for the businesses that have closed, and how corners of Ross-on-Wye just seem to get forgotten about and left to become tatty.

While many people are community minded, its why we live here, but what has happened to the events that were part of the town’s makeup? Why can’t the town create new events that take advantage of the Rope Walk area and pack the streets with local people and visitors alike.

Remember this is only a town/parish council election so we cannot deal with county council matters like potholes.

But in choosing someone like me who is hugely passionate, community driven, and focused in getting the very best for our town.

Andrew Steel,

Liberal Democrats

I’m standing in this election because I want to contribute and give something back to the community I live in.

For the last 25 years I have held senior management positions in business and would like to bring this experience to bear to support the council and community of Ross-on-Wye.

Should I be elected I commit to work constructively with all councillors; hold weekly surgeries to keep in touch regularly with the community; ensure the voice of the community is heard; where possible helping to promote the town; use my business experience to guide decision making and basically work hard for the benefit of the town.

The particular areas I would like to focus on are promote infrastructure improvements within the town; work with local stakeholders to develop new approaches to resolving the empty retail property issues in the town; help improve flood defences in the town and support affordable housing initiatives.

Should I be elected I expect to be judged by my achievements to make Ross an even better place to live.

Matt Symonds,

Reform UK.

I am passionate about becoming a town councillor because I want to help restore the vibrancy and sense of community that shaped my childhood here.

With 18 years of public service – including nine years running my own small business – I am committed to working hard and driving positive change.

Now raising my three children in Ross, I am determined to ensure the next generation can enjoy a thriving, safe and welcoming town.

Supporting local shops and businesses are my main priorities, as a prosperous high street attracts visitors and benefits all residents.

I recognise the need to enhance public facilities and to improve the safety for women and children. These practical improvements will make the town more accessible and appealing to both locals and visitors.

Honesty and transparency guide my actions. I am committed to open communication and will engage actively with residents and fellow council members to ensure your voices are heard and your concerns addressed.

By keeping you well informed and raising awareness about town matters, I hope to build a stronger, more connected community and deliver real, lasting change for Ross-on-Wye.