Howard Martin has lived in Kidderminster 26 years. A former civil servant working in the Department of Trade and Industry, he has an extensive knowledge of national and local government.

Recently working locally in our hospitals, he is now a self-employed employment law adviser to companies and individuals.

He currently serves the district as a ward councillor in Franche.

As a county councillor, issues he would pursue include: improvements in health care for Wyre Forest; better waste management schemes avoiding incineration; more effective delivery of social services; fairer funding for local schools; improved road maintenance for Kidderminster, realistic economic development strategies for this area, and a better balanced budget.

He would speak up for and work towards these objectives, unhindered by national party bullying and instructions.

He would be able to provide a truly independent, commonsense, Health Concern voice for Hoobrook.