INTEREST is already high in the county elections across The Village area with more than a month still to go until polling day on May 6.
Independent candidates are standing in at least two of the three Worcestershire County Council “divisions” we cover.
Candidates can enter the race right up to April 8, so there could yet be more.
The Alvechurch Division takes in an enormous area, including all of Alvechurch parish, part of Wythall parish and all of Beoley parish.
Beacon Division includes Barnt Green, Cofton Hackett and part of Lickey, while Bromsgrove East Division covers villagers living in Blackwell, Lickey End, the Oakalls, Aston Fields, Tardebigge and Tutnall.
After Coun Charlie Hotham’s success in taking the Alvechurch Division away from Tory control in 2017, independent candidates are again throwing their hats in the ring.
Coun Hotham is standing down from the county, while remaining a Bromsgrove district and Barnt Green parish councillor.
Transport expert and local campaigner Alan Bailes (pictured), of Bordesley, is standing for county as an independent in his place, prompting independent district councillor Kate Van Der Plank to stand in Beacon Division.
Independents step up
