THERE will be at least four candidates contesting the forthcoming by-election in Ludlow.

Labour has declared that it will be fighting to replace Rosanna Taylor-Smith who has stepped down after moving to Kent.

Danny Sweeney, aged 24 will be the joint Co-operative/Labour candidate.

He is a graduate with a degree in Astronomy and Space. He has lived in Shropshire all his life and was a pupil at Wakeman School and Shrewsbury Sixth Form.

Currently living in Pontesbury he is involved in various organisations and has been helping out at the Shrewsbury Food Bank for more than a year.

Danny Sweeney is also a member of Shropshire Disability Network and the three NHS Trusts in Shropshire. Previously he worked as an organiser for the trade union Unison, and is currently doing agency work.

He is the Co-operative Party West Midlands regional youth representative and campaigns officer for Scientists for Labour.

“In the past few years I have watched the steady deterioration of Shropshire's Council services,” he said.

“A deadly combination of poor management and the slashing of council budgets by the Tory/Lib Dem coalition nationally have left our public services in disarray.”

He will be up against the Conservative candidate Anthony Bevington a local council worker, Liberal Democrat Andy Boddington and Graeme Perks who has said that he will stand as an Independent.

This election is set to take place on March 13.

Meanwhile, residents in Ludlow’s Whitcliffe ward could also find themselves with the chance to vote for a replacement to

Priscilla Toop who has resigned from Ludlow Town Council.

However, this will depend upon enough electors calling for a poll and if this does not happen the position will be filled by co-option.