THE only Newport candidate for the Welsh Christian Party believes he can make a difference in Bettws if elected.

John Harrold, 72, wants to improve facilities for young people if he gets your vote on May 3.

Mr Harrold, who has lived in the ward with his wife Margaret, 71, for 17 years, says that while there have been some improvements made to the estate in the past few years, he wants to tackle empty buildings and the lack of facilities for young people.

He says he will support residents’ opposition to plans to build a Gipsy and travellers site in the area and is also against proposals for an incinerator in Llanwern, which he fears could pose a health threat.

He said: “We (the Welsh Christian Party) want to see our country return to its original values of family and caring for people.”

Mr Harrold, who stood for the part in the parliamentary elections in 2010 and Assembly elections last year, will go up against Independent candidate Kevin Whitehead. The keen sports fan is well known in the community and currently coaches the Bettws RFC’s senior team.

The grandfather and father-ofsix was prompted to stand as a councillor following the closure of Crindau Harlequins boxing club in Bettws.

He said: “Watching the adults and in particularly the children so upset I thought about getting involved with the community on not just sport but all things Bettws.

“We live on the biggest estate in Wales yet our infrastructure and community facilities are akin to a 1980s Eastern Bloc country. We seem to have had the same councillors for many years and I think maybe a different voice in the council chamber is just what Bettws needs.”

Mr Whitehead, who has previously campaigned against the proposed Gipsy site on the estate, also says he hopes to inspire young people to reach their potential.

● Also standing in the ward are: Susan Baker, Independent, Val Delahaye, Labour, Kieron Dineen, Labour, Glyn Jarvis, Labour, Noel Trigg, Independent.