The race for who breaks the Monmouth Town Council stalemate is in full swing.

On February 27, Overmonnow residents will go to the polls to select their next town councillor a choice between Indy candidate Laura McCartney and Welsh Conservative Rod Smith.

Ms McCartney told the Beacon: "I think the town council can be a great force for positive change in Monmouth. I’ve seen how Indy Monmouth councillors have pushed hard for a new playground on Chippenham Field, supported measures to improve the environment locally and worked hard to put on fantastic community events like the lantern parade.

"I want to be more involved in this part of local life and want to support the Overmonnow community in particular. I’d love to see better access to the Portal Road orchard, more for local children and young people to do and updated and improved playgrounds across the area. I’ll also be campaigning for improved safety measures on Wonastow Road, the crossing point from Kings Fee to Fitzroy Close really needs a rethink."

Mr Smith has identified a number of concerns such as safe routes to schools, improvements needed in pavements and roads, and supporting a hopper bus for Overmonnow. An achiever with a safe pair of hands, Rod’s straightforward manner and pleasant way will help him achieve his goals.

He’s been married to Margaret and has three children, Rod has lived in Overmonnow for 26 years. He started his career working in a scientific environment, became a lecturer in management and computing - which would be very useful to the Town Council as it seeks to improve communications with residents - has worked as a mentor to start-up companies to help them to grow, and now advises small and medium sized companies."