Ward profile: Severn Vale

THE Severn Vale ward is one of the biggest by area in South Gloucestershire.

Stretching from Upper Hill and Shepperdine in the north to Almondsbury in the south, it wraps around the Thornbury ward on three sides.

Villages in the ward, which elects two councillors, include Alveston, Olveston, Tockington, Oldbury-on-Severn, Aust and Rockhampton.

In 2019 two Conservative candidates were elected, with the leading Liberal Democrat candidate 502 votes behind in third.

UKIP were in fifth place, 130 votes ahead of Labour, but are not fielding a candidate this time.

The turnout was 42%.

The Voice invited all of the candidates, via their parties, to submit a short statement and picture, to introduce themselves to voters.

Keith Burchell (Con)

Keith Burchell was born and grew up in South Gloucestershire. He is married, has two sons and four grandchildren. Served as a Police Officer and later as a Child Protection Officer with the Gloucestershire Football Association. Enjoys gardening, watching rugby and taking his grandchildren swimming.

Naomi Carroll (Lab)

The Labour Party has not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Abigail Curtis (Lab)

Mark Oaten (LD)

Mark lives in the village of Buckover on a small holding just outside of Thornbury. If elected he wants to fight for local buses, stop over-development and restore life back into Thornbury town centre. He has over 20 years’ experience in both national and local government.

Matthew Riddle (Con)

Matthew is a member of his local church, plays whist and cribbage, and enjoys cider-making.

Tony Williams (LD)

Tony has been an Olveston Parish Councillor for many years. He is Treasurer of the local football club that he has been a committee member of for over 30 years. He is a long term resident of Olveston and has served as a South Glos councillor in the past.

9213-AC-Voice-ad-2023-180x120-FINAL.qxp_Voice

They appear here in the order they will be listed on ballot papers.

The Labour Party has not submitted a statement or picture for this candidate.

Matthew Riddle, born in Oldbury, has lived in the Severn Vale all his life, is married and has two sons. He attended The Castle School and lectures to degree level in agriculture and the environment.

Key to parties, as described on nomination statements:

Con: Conservative Party Candidate

Lab: Labour Party

LD: Liberal Democrats