Billy, Phoebe go head-to-head in council by-election Thursday

Parts of Welshpool go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) to decide whether local businessman Billy Spencer or Labour candidate Phoebe Rolinson will fill the vacant Llanerchyddol Ward seat on Welshpool Town Council.

Voting will take place at the Town Hall with the pair spending the final day canvassing for vital local support ahead of the polls opening.

Mr Spencer is well-known in the town as also being a talented singer and says support for him will give Welshpool a stronger voice in the decision-making process.

At just 18, Phoebe hopes to become the fourth Labour representative on Town Council and says her experience as a community volunteer in the town stands her in a strong position to know what needs doing at town council level.

What the candidates say:

Billy Spencer, Independent

“I am calling out for support in the election on Thursday, if you haven't used your postal vote then please go down to the Corn Exchange (Town Hall) to vote for me, your local Independent Councillor.

“I am a Welshpool lad born and bred and have lived in this ward my whole life as well as residing in it currently with my own little family.

“I don’t believe political views should come into local council and that is why I am standing independently. To represent my ward, to give the people of Welshpool a voice and to make a change for us all to make the town a better place for the youngsters. If you want results vote for me.”

Phoebe Rolinson, Labour

“I’ve had a great time getting to talk to a lot of Llanerchyddol residents recently, while I knocked on doors and when I volunteered at the Carnival. Some I met for the first time, and some I know from growing up in the Ward.

“It’s been fantastic to be able to get a head start on hearing what everyone wants to see happen. If I am elected as a Town Councillor, I will take this work forward to create a plan for Llanerchyddol Ward.

“I’ve also talked to the three existing Welshpool Labour Councillors about my campaigns to build a new Welshpool Skate Park and to fully utilise the Ann Holloway Centre, and they’re completely supportive.

“I may not be a Councillor yet, but I’m already getting stuck in to help make things happen. I’m currently talking with the Mayor and the Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School about getting the town’s flower beds tidied up.

“I’ve wanted to be a Town Councillor since I was 16, and now I’m old enough to stand, I really hope I get to take the townspeople’s voices to the Council Chamber and become closer to this wonderful community.”