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.

Today we feature Cam East, Cam West, Chalford, Coaley and Uley, Dursley and Hardwicke.

Yesterday we had Amberley and Woodchester, Berkeley Vale, Bisley and Cainscross.

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

Cam East - There are five candidates standing in this ward. Number of seats – two.

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  • Brian Tipper – Conservative

Many of you will personally know me, my family and the surname. I was born in Knapp Lane Cam, attended Cam Infants, Cam Hopton and Dursley Grammar School. I live on the Cam Dursley border.

Currently I serve Cam East Ward as your County, District and a Parish Councillor. I was elected in 2007 for Cam East Ward and stood since then. I am seeking your support for my re-election for the District and Parish again this year.

I have had a varied career. Most aspects of which have given me a good grounding to deal with most problems. I have fought many local issues and I was significant in getting the housing numbers down from 1200 to 350.

The current figure is 450 in the adopted Local Plan. At County and District level I have a good working relationship with officers.

It is important to remember that when you see the word ‘cuts’ that you recall what caused them. It is not ‘HOW MUCH’ you spend but ‘HOW’ you spend it that matters. Spend a pound now is better than £100 later. I want your rates to be well used and not abused. Please consider voting for me.

Just a gentle reminder that Cam East has always been a two seat ward. This year is slightly different in that you have two votes. Brian Tipper and Graham Blackshaw are the two Conservative Candidates. Please vote for both of us.

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  • Graham Blackshaw - Conservative

I am Graham Blackshaw a family man. My working life has been spent in many aspects of engineering including operating my own successful business.

I was elected as a District Councillor for four years, at the same time I began working for Stroud Ring & Ride as a mini bus driver for 12 years.

Due to a lack of funding the company has gone into administration and all employees are being made redundant on the April 15 2016.

As a result I along with colleagues are trying to ensure the service offered to the young, vulnerable, disabled and elderly continues. I have therefore decided to stand again for election as a District Councillor.

You have two votes on the May 5 - Brian Tipper and Graham Blackshaw are the two Conservative Candidates. Please vote for both of us.

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  • Miranda Clifton - Labour

I’ve lived in and worked for Cam for 20+ years. As parish councillor I worked to replace youth services after they were cut and helped get the improvements to the Jubilee Playing Field.

I’ve helped individuals with issues like housing, footpaths, litter and planning. As Stroud District councillor I’m proud we’re building council houses again, and that we will improve sheltered housing.

With more house-building, we must make developers keep their promises - and we also need more jobs.

We want Cam still to be an attractive place to both live and work. As part of a Labour-led council I’ll fight to protect our services and to work for all Cam residents.

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  • James Prewett - Labour

Born and bred in Cam, I have a strong affinity with the village and know first-hand what a friendly, vibrant community it is. I'm a member of the committee at Slimbridge AFC and a guitar tutor locally. I know how much people benefit from getting behind a cause they are passionate about.

It's vital we support the interests of young people. The parish and district council have done a lot for young residents despite funding cuts.

If elected I’d continue this good work. I'd be honoured to serve our community and if elected I pledge to work hard for local residents and the well-being of Cam.

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  • Steven Naumann – Green Party

Steven is standing in Cam East. He has lived in the Stroud District for almost his entire life, for many years in the southern part of the district.

As an organic farmer and now as a landscape gardener, I have always had a keen interest in the state of the countryside and the well-being of the environment, its issues and people.

I am a strong supporter of the local economy and would welcome this opportunity to help make Cam a better place to live.

I live with my partner, Liz, and I have three children and seven grandchildren.

My Quaker background is a strong influence in my world view and informs my natural affiliation to the Green Party.

I am a keen advocate of increased recycling (particularly of organic waste) and have long been an active supporter of the campaign against a mass-burn incinerator at Javelin Park, the campaign for better social welfare and a community-centred approach to planning."