Four candidates will contest the Kenilworth Park Hill Ward in the Warwickshire County Council elections this Thursday (May 6).

After it was revealed that incumbent Conservative Cllr Dave Shilton would not be permitted to stand for his seat again for said party in 2021, Park Hill Ward will have a new councillor for the next term of office.

Standing for Park Hill at WCC:

Andy Metcalf - Conservative

Jeremy Eastaugh - Labour

Samantha Cooke - Liberal Democrats

Tracey Drew - Green

Andy Metcalf

Conservative candidate Andy Metcalf is a first-time candidate. He has lived in Kenilworth for 30 years; initially involved in large scale exhibitions at the NEC he now works part time for a charity.

Mr Metcalf has said that supporting local business and vulnerable people out of lockdown, the impact of development along Glasshouse Lane, the state of the common and the state of local roads and speeding are amongst his priorities.

He said: "Over the years I had responsibility for design, project management and financial planning.

"My commercial experience and current experience of providing one to one help and advice, is what I can bring to acting on your behalf as your county councillor for Kenilworth Park Hill and I am enthusiastic about this opportunity."

Jeremy Eastaugh

Labour candidate, Jeremy Eastaugh has focused on the effect of major developments in southern Kenilworth.

"Today our roads are far from quiet," he says, "and very careful consideration needs to be given as to how extra volumes of local traffic are going to be managed; Glasshouse and Dalehouse Lanes will become busier and busier.

"Labour will work hard to improve air quality. I'd like to see significant investment in cycleways and safe, quiet pathways through the town and to the schools, secondary and primary."

He added: "There needs to be a far greater emphasis on Warwickshire's social care system as the local age demographic matures, we need fairer health outcomes for all."

Adding: "Council tax has increased by more than 30 per cent over the past 10 years whilst local services have seen a 43 per cent drop in funding."

Samantha Cooke

Samantha Cooke already represents the Liberal Democrat party on Kenilworth Town Council, having been elected in 2019. A university lecturer, she is also an active member of the community, volunteering with the Covid-19 Support Kenilworth Group.

Recently, she led the town council's shop window competition and is currently the co-ordinator of the inaugural 'Kenilworth Naturewatch' week.

Ms Cooke said: "Kenilworth is a fantastic town and the way we have come together during this pandemic has been amazing.

"The county council has a key role in response to Covid-19 and in ensuring public services and infrastructures work effectively for the town."

Tracey Drew

Another town councillor, representing Dalehouse Ward, Tracey Drew has lived in the town for ten years.

Speaking to Nub News she said: "I want to play an active role in the huge changes in housing we will have to cope with. I'm currently part of a group on the town council, planning how best to involve residents in deciding how community infrastructure levy monies from the developers are spent.

"I'm determined that residents are consulted on spending and ensuring that greater transparency is standard."

Ms Drew also highlighted the important transport issues that the town is faced with.

"On transport, achieving 20mph speed limits in suitable areas with appropriate traffic calming to make roads less hostile for children would be a strong focus for me.

"We are determined to stop the proposed A46 road and to preserve the last remaining strip of green belt between us and Coventry. We are continuing to collaborate with neighbouring communities effected by HS2 to mitigate the effects."

Click here to see the candidates for Lapworth and West Kenilworth Ward.

Click here to see the candidates for St John's Ward.