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

Here's who is standing in the Street Division:

Simon Carswell – Liberal Democrats

"I was born and raised in Somerset and have lived and worked in the Street area for the past 25 years. Both my children went to School in Street.

I have over 40 years of experience in both the public and private sector and I am currently self-employed. I have served for the past three years as a Mendip District Councillor and currently am in the Cabinet as Portfolio Holder for Economic Development. I have also been a Street Parish Councillor for the past six years and am Chair of the Merriman Park Community Group which includes assisting in the running of the annual Fun Day and improvements to this valuable community space.

In my spare time I enjoy sport, cycling, music and popular TV.

I am passionate about Children's Services and Adult Social Care, having worked in Sure Start Children's Centres for five years. In my time in children's centres I saw Government funding cut resulting in the closure of the centre in Street which provided valuable support to families. I also recognise the need to speak up for the disadvantaged in our community, including the need for Social Housing to enable those born in Street to stay living in their community.

If elected I will work hard for the people of Street to ensure our voice is heard at the new Council."

Liz Leyshon – Liberal Democrats

"I was born in Glastonbury and went to school in Street. I retired in 2017 after more than 20 years as manager of Strode Theatre, and was elected as County Councillor for Glastonbury & Street the same year. I was elected as a Mendip Councillor for Street in 2019, where I am now a Portfolio Holder.

I've always welcomed new challenges, and like to find solutions no matter how complicated the situation.

During the first lockdown in 2020, I co-ordinated the Street Community Support Group, pulling together existing organisations and volunteers so that we could shop for people who were shielding, deliver prescriptions, organise phone buddies and run errands. It was hard work but extremely rewarding.

I live in Wilfrid Road, in one of the Victorian workers' houses, and appreciate the almost 200 years of Clarks and Quaker history. The past two years have seen changes to the company's ownership and I know we will all need to work together to ensure the wonderful facilities of Street continue to offer the same quality of life to residents and visitors.

If elected as one of the two Somerset councillors for Street, I look forward to another five years serving all the people of our village. I know that experience, commitment and ability to work hard will be more important than ever as a new Council is created to deliver all the services of County and District Councils. We must be sure that Street's voice is heard at the new Council and I'm ready for that challenge."

Also standing in the Street Division:

Bryan Beha – Conservative

Terry Napper – 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