THE local elections are now just a week away, so to help you make sure you make the right decision, the Grimsby Telegraph has caught up with all the candidates from each ward. As well as finding out what they plan to do, our local government reporter PETER CRAIG has also been quizzing them on their interests. Today, we take a closer look at the candidates standing in the Sidney Sussex Ward. Profiles for all candidates in all local wards will be featured each day in the run-up to the election on May 6.

David Hasthorpe

Party: Conservative

Birthplace: Louth, Lincolnshire

Age: 55

Home: Healing

Married/partner: Married to Sandra for 22 years

Children: Two sons, two daughters, four grandchildren

Favourite TV programme: Ashes To Ashes

Favourite film: Jazz Singer (Neil Diamond version)

Favourite record: All Along The Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix

Favourite food: Seafood

Favourite drink: Gin and tonic

How will I improve my ward: Cleethorpes starts at Park Street, as does the Sidney Sussex Ward. I would like to encourage use of the parks in the area for leisure pursuits, activities that integrate young and not so young people together. Regeneration should not only apply to the seafront, all of Cleethorpes would benefit from better facilities, better transport. People in the ward tell me of their concerns for personal safety, for crime reduction. I will, if elected, work with the residents of the ward to try to bring about changes that will help to enhance the lifestyle and sense of community spirit.

Malcolm Morland

Party: Liberal Democrat

Birthplace: Cleethorpes

Home: Cleethorpes

Favourite record: All genres – rock bluzz, jazz, classical and folk

Favourite film: Must have a good storyline and plot

Favourite drink: Real ale

How I will improve my ward: As the present ward councillor, my commitment to the Sidney Sussex ward is to put people before politics.

This has been my approach for the last four years.

I aim to put people at the top of my agenda and to keep the streets clean and tidy and provide a safe environment for all.

Small businesses and their concerns will be supported as they are part of the lifeblood of this community.

I will continue to listen to the concerns of residents for the improvement of their quality of life.

My pledge is to put the residents at the heart of this community.

Karl Simmons

Party: UKIP

Birthplace: Grimsby

Age: 44

Home: Bramhall Street, Cleethorpes.

Married/partner: Married

Children: Three

Favourite TV programme: American Choppers

Favourite film: Forrest Gump

Favourite record: Anything by R.E.M.

Favourite food: Builder's breakfast

Favourite drink: Tea

How I will improve my ward: I will push for more bins around the ward, especially dog foul bins and look at increasing policing. Having been burgled at home, I now know how it feels. I am also concerned about the children smashing up the play area on the Recreational Ground. The council did a good job of renovating the area, but kids are coming along on an evening and causing damage. That has to stop.

Alex Wallace

Party: Labour

Birthplace: Glasgow

Age: 69

Home: Hilton Court, Cleethorpes

Married/partner: Married

Favourite TV programme: Any that take my attention

Favourite film: Any that take my attention

Favourite record: Old Time Blues

Favourite food: Any homemade meal

Favourite drink: Malt whisky

How I will improve my ward: If elected I will, in conjunction with fellow Labour councillor Chris Shaw, make all efforts to have grant money available directed to Sidney Sussex ward. At present, ward residents feel that they and the ward are being ignored and passed over when such monies are allocated to the other wards in North East Lincolnshire. The general consensus is that other wards got more than their fair share to the detriment of Sidney Sussex. I will add my voice and experience to ensure that ward residents' views are heard loud and clear. The powers that be must be reminded that Cleethorpes does not start at the pier.