Three “grass roots” candidates have been selected by the Labour Party to stand for the North Deal ward in next year’s local elections.

Sitting councillors Cllr Bill Gardner and Cllr Ben Bano are both former mayors. They are joined by first time candidate Zoila Santos. All three live in the ward and know it - and its residents - well.

Labour leader Cllr Mike Eddy said: “When the local party chose our three candidates we wanted people who not only live in the ward, but who also have a wealth of experience. “They will be grass roots councillors, involved in the local community, and able to respond to the needs of residents.”

Cllr Eddy added: “Labour has a very strong team of local candidates in North Deal. Ben has a proven track record in the field of health, Bill is highly skilled in planning and Zoila has a wide range of experience in business and public service.

“Labour has a very strong team of local candidates in North Deal" - Cllr Mike Eddy - leader of the Labour party.

“This will be a real boost for the residents of North Deal.”

The candidates have made statements on their selection.

Cllr Ben Bano, the present Mill Hill councillor, said: “I am privileged to be part of our Labour Team for North Deal with Zoila Santos and Bill Gardner. In collaboration with Clair Hawkins (Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary candidate) we will work together to ensure that the concerns of residents and businesses are heard and acted on.”

Zoila Santos is hoping she is voted in on Thursday, May 7. She said: “It is an honour to represent my party as a DDC candidate for North Deal. I live in the ward and want to do a good job as a councillor.”

Cllr Bill Gardner, the sitting Labour councillor for the ward has said: “I’m very happy with the selection of Ben and Zoila, and I’m looking forward to working with them in the ward, meeting local people and standing up for North Deal as a team”.