Meet the four people aiming to be the new councillor for Hull Road

Four York residents are vying to be the new councillor for Hull Road ward.

There is a vacancy after Labour councillor David Levene decided to step down due high levels of work pressure.

His successor will be elected on Thursday (June 8). The ballot takes place at the same time as polling for the General Election and for the councillor vacancy on Micklegate ward.

Hull Road ward is home to many well known places and landmarks, including Tang Hall, Osbaldwick Beck, York Sport Village and the University of York.

The successful candidate will join sitting councillors Neil Barnes and Hilary Shepherd, both Labour, in representing Hull Road ward.

So who are the candidates?

John Cossham – Green

John has lived on Hull Road for 16 years and so knows the area well.

A well known green campaigner in York, he has a particular interest in people’s quality of life, health and wellbeing.

Clean air, affordable food and good public transport are also near the top of his agenda, as are issues which affect local people like student housing, congested roads and anti-social behaviour.

He wants people to enjoy their neighbourhood and take pride in it, whilst feeling safe and secure.

John has a long history of volunteering and getting things done, from planting trees in St Nicholas Fields in the 1990s, to starting York Rotters in 2004, helping to get the Red Tower project going over the past couple of years, to working with the Save Windmill Lane Playing Fields team more recently.

Matt Freckelton – Conservative

Matt is a 28 year old York businessman, who specialises in technology and internet companies.

He has lived on Hull Road for a number of years and knows the area well.

Conservative group leader and leader of City of York Council David Carr said Matt would be “a great addition to the council group as he combines knowledge of the business world with an understanding of the frontline services that residents rightly expect from their council – and that the Conservative led coalition is delivering”.

Matt is particularly concerned about the risk of too many homes being turned into ‘houses in multiple occupation’ for students.

Alex Nowis – Liberal Democrats

Alex has lived in York for nine years and joined the Liberal Democrats last year.

His plans are to safeguard York’s unique culture and heritage, to allow everyone to experience all the fantastic things that York is home to, as well as to ensure we have a thriving economy.

Alex has pledged to listen to what the people of the Hull Road community want, to invest in young people and protect York’s frontline services.

Nick Love, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for York Central says, “I’m delighted that someone as enthusiastic and energetic as Alex has been selected as our candidate for the Hull Road by-election.”

Michael Pavlovic – Labour

Michael, 53, is a former probation officer who now runs his own company advertising charities.

He is the fundraiser and events co-ordinator of the York Labour party.

Born in Halifax, Michael has lived in York for 22 years. High rent, low wages and not enough houses being built are key challenges, he says.

He also strongly believes that something needs to be done about air pollution as it is killing the elderly and causing asthma in young children.

York Labour Party chair, William Owen said: “Michael was chosen from a very high quality group of candidates. I am sure he will make an outstanding councillor.”