THE local elections are now just two weeks away, so to help you make sure you make the right decision when you hit the polling booth, the Grimsby Telegraph has caught up with all the candidates from each ward. As well as finding out what they plan to do for their ward if elected, our local government reporter PETER CRAIG has also been quizzing them on their interests outside the council chambers. Today, we take a closer look at the candidates standing in the Croft Baker Ward. Profiles for all candidates in all local wards will be featured each day in the run-up to the election on May 6. You can also visit www.thisisgrimsbv.co.uk/elections2010 for all the latest election news and profiles of the candidates standing in your ward.

Ben Parkes

Party: UK Independence Party

Birthplace: Beverley

Age: 49

Home: Cleethorpes

Married/partner: single

Children: three

Favourite TV programme: Top Gear

Favourite film: Gladiator

Favourite record: One, U2.

Favourite food: fish, asparagus and strawberries.

Favourite drink: red wine.

How I will improve my ward: If elected I would like to see more recreational and sporting facilities in the area. I would also like to see schools actively encourage and educate their students in regards to litter and believe that litter wardens should patrol outside local shops, especially during busy lunchtime periods. I would also advocate the usage of fresh local produce to encourage healthy eating. I feel continued funding for PCSO's is necessary. I pledge to make myself readily available to residents throughout the year.

Colin Eastwell

Party: Liberal Democrats

Birthplace: Grimsby

Age: receives free TV licence

Home: Croft Baker ward

Married/partner: single with a good friend

Children: Two children, five grandchildren

Favourite TV programme: Antiques Roadshow

Favourite film: Citizen Kane

Favourite record: Anything by Matt Munro

Favourite food: Grimsby sea food with Lincolnshire new potatoes and peas.

Favourite drink: Bitter.

How I will improve my ward: Introduce more litter bins, remove the clutter of street furniture where possible and brighten up the lamp standards. Catch up with people who allow their dogs to foul pavements and streets. It must be better even for themselves. Make the streets safe 24/7 for all citizens of the town. I think the police do a great job very often in difficult situations. They must be supported to make the situation better. Have a level accountability and commitment to the community.

Matthew Jason Brown

Party: Labour

Age: 24 years

Birth Place: Grimsby

Home: Cleethorpes

Married/Partner: Single

Favourite TV Program: Dr Who

Favourite Film: Still Crazy

Favourite Food: Steak and chips with peppercorn sauce

Favourite Drink: Coke

Favourite Alcoholic Drink: Red Wine

Favourite Music: Take That

What I will do to improve my ward: Croft Baker Ward is in the heart of Cleethorpes. Thus tourism plays an important role. If elected I would aspire to work with local businesses, community groups and residents to ensure that tourism not only benefits the people who come to the area on holiday, but to ensure that local people's skills are used and developed for the benefit of the area. Additionally, antisocial behaviour is an issue. I would endeavour to work with the Police and North East Lincolnshire Council to address the concerns of local resident. Providing, strong, honest, and local community leadership.

George Georgiou

Party: no affiliation

Birthplace: Cyprus

Age: 58

Home: West Street, Cleethorpes

Married/partner: partner

Children: four and one expected

Favourite TV programme: EastEnders

Favourite film: Kingdom of Heaven.

Favourite record: Teddy Bear by Elvis Presley

Favourite food: home cooking

Favourite drink: tea

How I will improve my ward: My campaign is for a referendum to have an elected mayor with a Cabinet to run our services in North East Lincolnshire. Cleethorpes needs to control its own destiny. First we must start by having our own independent police force. We need to build a state-of-the-art Winter Gardens, a venue that will have an excellent kitchen capable of providing decent cooked food for in excess of 1,000 people. This could be a hub for providing meals for schools and pensioners. No privatisation of services.

Bob Callison

Party: Conservative

Birthplace: Grimsby

Age: 55

Home: Isaac's Hill, Cleethorpes

Married/partner: married

Favourite TV programme: The Bill

Favourite film: Any John Wayne film

Favourite record: Albatross by Fleetwood Mac

Favourite food: steak with peppered sauce

Favourite drink: draught Guinness

How I will improve my ward: I have started to make changes over the past year to many parts of Croft Baker ward already, as the Cleethorpes In Bloom chairman. My intentions are to make Croft Baker ward the safest, cleanest, brightest and the envy of all the wards. It can be done by working together and encouraging new groups to take pride. By working closely with the police I would insist on a tougher stance on anti-social behaviour to protect the vulnerable, the old and the young of Croft Baker.