THE Liberal Democrats have today named two candidates for May’s council elections.

Their Inverclyde vice-chair, Alasdair Higgins, will contest the new Ward 4, which includes Greenock’s west end and town centre, and Dr Jacci Stoyle will fight Ward 1, encompassing Kilmacolm, Quarrier’s Village and Port Glasgow east.

Former Greenock Academy pupil Mr Higgins, 49, lives in Campbell Street in the heart of the ward, and said he hopes to continued ‘a strong record of LibDem representation’ there.

He works at White House Products in Port Glasgow and is involved in a number of community groups, including the Royal West of Scotland Boat Club, where he has been a member for more than three decades.

Mr Higgins said: “I have conducted a survey of more than 3,000 households in the community. It’s clear many feel let down by Labour – poor road conditions and the decline of Greenock’s town centre were issues raised time and time again by local people.”

Dr. Stoyle lived in Kilmacolm for 11 years before moving to Port Glasgow nine years ago.

She works in prison education and managed the learning centre at Greenock Prison for 13 years.

She also teaches a yoga class in Port Glasgow, and has been involved with several community groups, such as the local branch of Amnesty International, and has campaigned for the victims of human trafficking for 15 years.

She is a member of two cross-party groups in the Scottish Parliament.

Dr Stoyle said: “I am very keen to listen to people’s concerns about the service they receive from the council.

“Kilmacolm residents are concerned about the new 
parking rules in the village and the need for a safe crossing point.

“The temporary repairing of potholes is also viewed as a waste of money, as they need re-done time and time again.”

She added: “Residents in Port Glasgow have expressed concern over insufficient resources being allocated for the regeneration of Port Glasgow town centre.

“However, people were glad to see a woman standing for the council, as they felt that the poor female representation among council members has not been a good thing for the community as a whole.”

Both candidates also said national issues are on residents’ minds, and that many are worried about the impact of a ‘hard’ Brexit on businesses and jobs.

The election takes place on May 4.