Elections for the new Somerset Council take place on May 5.

Here's who is standing in the Mendip West Division:

Heather Shearer – Liberal Democrats

"I have worked hard locally as a Parish Councillor and was a founder member of my local residents' group.

I have managed a modular building company since 2008 and previously worked for manufacturing companies. I have experience of running charitable companies and as a trustee.

As a District Councillor, I lead the team running Community Health & Services. I've actively encouraged community organisations and agencies to work together which has led to the highly successful delivery of support for local people throughout the pandemic.

I also oversee licensing, environmental health and enforcement, focussing on rural crime including the prevention of fly-tipping.

I am Chair of the Mendip Health and Wellbeing Board and Mental Health Champion. I also represent Mendip Council as a governor of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

Chairing Somerset's Community Safety Partnership and Avon and Somerset's Police and Crime Panel, I have worked across the county to reduce reoffending and improve support for victims."

Mandy Thomas-Atkin

"Brought up on a West Country dairy farm, Mandy followed a career in private banking. Whilst raising her three (now adult) children, she was a Church Warden, set up a food bank, volunteered for a Credit Union and ran a community café.

"As a past District Councillor, Mandy focused on children's services, the disabled, health and well-being, a voice for the vulnerable as well as recycling. She is a Trustee for an Agricultural Show."

Ros Wyke – Liberal Democrats

"I have a wealth of experience. Following a successful business career, I am a Parish Council Chair and was Chair of Taunton & Somerset NHS hospital Trust for 8 years.

I have supported my community and helped residents with their concerns from ensuring replacement bus services when the road was closed to initiating community campaigns to save the village shop and pub.

I am a long term committed, energetic campaigner for safe walking routes and better cycle paths, dark skies, local ecology, landscape, local decision making and parish councils.

As Mendip Council leader I have delivered a:

·     greener Council recently judged in the top ten nationally, working with and funding our environmental partners.

·     fairer Council with more transparency, increased support for the disadvantaged, social housing and improved access to services, eg changing places for those with disabilities.

·      Council focussed on delivering local services –­ not cuts – keeping to budget, supporting local business and community groups during the pandemic and with grants for recovery projects."

Also standing in the Mendip West Division:

Stuart Kingham – Conservative

All candidates have been offered the opportunity to submit a profile. All those submitted have been published.

For more on the elections click HERE