Richard Turner-Thomas Independent I AM your Independent candidate, an ordinary, hardworking construction supervisor, 55 years old and my grandchildren live in Torfaen.

I have supervised contracts up to £150 million value for MOD, Highways Agency, local authorities and private consultants both overseas and throughout the UK.

I am also a writer and author. I have decided to contest the Torfaen seat using my own funds as I am deeply concerned at the falling standards of public services. Due to at least seven hospital closures the Royal Gwent has a huge catchment area and has become overworked with public complaints at epidemic levels.

Health trusts have failed us badly, I wish to bring back the matron system giving her absolute control over cleanliness and healthcare facilities. Proposed school closures in Torfaen would cut our local education to the bone much the same as our hospitals.

School sites closed would then under present government policy be sold off to private developers for housing - where would the new tenants' children go to school?

Going to schools further away also poses increased threats to our children from traffic and other sources. I will oppose any school closures in Torfaen. I will lobby to stop the disgusting practice of taxing our elderly on their pensions.

During cold periods the elderly are given cold period payments, why is the entire country paying for the public funds to be double handled? With RISING unemployment at least 1,130,000, the number of illegal immigrants in the UK is estimated at 500,000.

Many illegal immigrants are working illegally for well below the minimum wage in the UK.

On housing, I am opposed to queue jumping in front of the local population.

Someone needs to address all of the above problems which is why I am standing for Parliament.

Labour have had many years to sort out their act and it really saddens me to see the decay north of Cwmbran.

Pontypool needs to be focused on and helped to regenerate trade. Blaenavon enjoys a unique World Heritage status site. Maximise this potential treasure at Blaenavon.

Additional funding should also be sought to further enhance trade to the town.

I am a working class man determined to get the best for my home area. I am opposed to the sale of public owned greenfield. John Fielding House is a prime example.

I promise the people of Torfaen that should I be elected I will do my best for them at a national and local levels.