A WELL-KNOWN former Chinese restaurant owner from Cirencester is planning to stand for Cotswold District Council (CDC) next year.

Tatyan Cheung, who ran Tatyans Chinese restaurant in Castle Street for 25 years, has decided to stand for the New Mills ward of Cirencester, which includes parts of the Beeches and the new Kingshill Meadow development.

Tatyan has lived in the Beeches for 28 years and, if elected, aims to help local residents enjoy a better lifestyle.

"I am part of the ‘sandwich’ generation; on the one hand I am looking after my children, and on the other I am caring for elderly family members," said Mr Cheung, who is being backed by the Liberal Democrats.

"As a I result I believe in learning excellence and social mobility for the young and I support a community approach to caring for the elderly. I’d like to promote educational and creative opportunities and explore solutions to better support people with conditions like dementia."

Mr Cheung is also concerned about the effect of high parking charges in Cirencester and across the Cotswolds.

"I ran my restaurant in Cirencester for over 20 years and I know how important it is to create a vibrant environment for businesses to thrive," he continued. "Lower parking charges are one way in which we can help achieve this in the town, but we’re being let down by the District Council.”

Cllr Joe Harris, the new leader of the Lib Dems on Cotswold District Council praised Mr Cheung’s decision to get involved.

"Tatyan is a hugely popular figure in Cirencester and has been involved in the community since before I was born," he said. "With his business background and commitment to the town, he is an ideal candidate to help us create a stronger local economy and vibrant community.

"Helping vulnerable people is an issue close to Tatyan’s heart and I look forward to working with him to look at innovative ways we can help people in the Cotswolds when he’s elected."

The elections for CDC are on May 7 next year.