In the run up to the Stroud District Council elections on May 5, the SNJ will be profiling each of the candidates standing in all 27 wards.

Each party candidate will give voters information about who they are, what their pledges are and why you should vote for them.

These profiles will be posted alphabetically by ward over the next week.

To kick us off, today we feature Amberley and Woodchester, Berkeley Vale, Bisley and Cainscross.

Stay posted throughout the week to see your candidates go head to head.

There are three candidates standing for this ward. Number of seats – one.

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  • Martyn Cutcher - Green Party

Martyn and his partner Jackie moved to Stroud from Wokingham, Berkshire in November 2014, and settled in Rooksmoor, North Woodchester in January this year.

He said: "I work full time from home in IT, and we both really enjoy walking our dog on the commons, shopping in the Farmers’ Market and sampling the local ales.

"But most of all we were really happy to discover just how engaged the community is. Whether attending talks in Stroud on the NHS or climate change, or a Woodchester Tea Party raising funds for the refugees, we have been struck by the enthusiasm and support of so many.

"I joined the Stroud Green Party in 2014, probably the same week we arrived. Previously I had taken part in environmental and peace campaigns but had avoided party politics. But here in Stroud I quickly saw how motivated Green politicians were really making a difference in the local communities.

“So I am really pleased to stand for the Green Party in Amberley and Woodchester, our new home.

“Building strong, sustainable and supportive communities is essential to meet the social challenges of this fast changing world."

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  • Philip McAsey - Conservative Party

Stroud News and Journal:

I will be standing as your local Conservative Party Candidate as representative for Woodchester and Amberley.

A country boy born and bred in Stroud, I have never lived far from Woodchester and Amberley where his family has owned the local pub for 28 years.

Reopening the village pub in South Woodchester, three and half years ago, I have shown commitment to the village and built a strong local business employing many people from community.

I want to support the residents of Woodchester and Amberley putting their voice first before the say of developers and large business.

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  • Jo Smith - Labour and Co-operative Party 

Jo is the Labour and Co-operative Party candidate for Amberley and Woodchester.

She is a former nurse and has lived in Pinfarthings, Amberley with her family for 36 years.

“Our villages are set in the most beautiful landscape which I would always strive to protect”, said Jo.

“However I would like to see more young people and families on moderate incomes able to afford to live here.

“I feel angry and saddened at the widening inequalities under this government and that safety nets for the most vulnerable are disappearing.

“The need for such things as food banks are a shame on our society.”