A MAN who has been a thorn in the flesh of Richmondshire District Council is a candidate in the local elections on May 3.

Bernard Borman, of Leyburn, standing as an Independent, is trying to win the Lower Wensleydale ward from sitting member and farmer Keith Loadman, also an Independent.

For several years, Mr Borman was involved in protracted disputes over a range of issues with officers of the council, which itself has been embroiled in controversy surrounding its proposal to replace its scattered accommodation in Richmond with new offices at nearby Colburn, partly by selling off assets.

Eight of the authority's wards will be uncontested in May but there are 55 candidates for the 16 that will see elections and it is thought that some results could reflect public reaction to the controversy.

The spread of candidates shows 23 Independents, 15 Conservatives, 14 Liberal Democrats, two from the British National Party and one Green Party hopeful.

In the Catterick ward, there are five candidates for two seats and two members of the same family, Chris and Jack Goodwin, are standing for the BNP.

Ten councillors are not seeking re-election, among them Richard Dunn, who was deputy leader for six months last year.

In neighbouring Hambleton, there are few surprises but council leader Susan Latter, a Conservative who represents Leeming Bar, is not seeking re-election and some members of Northallerton Town Council are seeking to extend their influence to district level.

There are eight Labour candidates, one from Putting England First and one from the UK Independence Party.

Richmondshire and Hambleton candidates: page