HERE is our look at the independent councillors standing in this year's May elections in Malvern.

Here John Gallagher, Beverley Nielsen, Daniel Walton, Tom Wells and Peter Whatley tell us in their own words what they want.

John Gallagher – Malvern Chase

"I have lived in Upper Welland for 37 years and worked as a research scientist at RSRE and QinetiQ.

"I have extensive experience in both scientific research and business management.

"I am a scientist and an experienced councillor and I want the Malvern Hills Science Park to expand.

"I will be looking to attract new investments to diversify and increase high tech jobs on the Science Park.

"Currently I am a district councillor for Malvern Wells.

"When Covid is under control, we must rebuild our communities, maintaining the fairer, supportive society seen during the pandemic.

"At the heart of our community are our shops, pubs and businesses. Their support to the community through Covid-19 has been vital, especially the traders in Barnards Green.

"During recovery I will do my utmost to support them as they grow their businesses back.

"I want better funding for the most vulnerable in our society and to ensure the County Council offers every child the best possible start in life.

"Better support for schools is only part of that. Social care and mental health have been devastated in the past year. We must do better. I am committed to making it happen."

Beverley Nielsen – Malvern Langland

"If elected I pledge to raise your concerns first as residents, putting people before politics and clear actions before casual words.

"I will be a strong voice for Malvern Langland. I was born in Malvern; I have raised my three children here; I love our town and I want to see it thrive.

"I served previously as a County Councillor and understand very well the issues that need addressing at County Hall – we need to ensure they are dealt with promptly and the debate created by politicians forced to follow their “party line” does not prevent vital actions required to put our residents’ first.

"You told me in my residents survey that speeding is your number one concern and I arranged for the West Mercia Police Safer Neighbourhood Motorbike Traffic Support Team to be out and about monitoring speeding all over Malvern.

"We need more of this, but we also have many roads and footpaths that are long overdue for repair.

"We have drainage issues left unfixed for years prompting too many complaints.

"These are the sorts of issues that need to be prioritised as we put our residents’ needs first and foremost.

"It’s been a very tough time for many businesses and strong, practically focussed support is required urgently as they re-open after lockdown.

"I’ve spent 20 years working with business in Worcestershire and been recognised as Midlands Businesswoman of the Year.

"High tech, high growth businesses, such as we see in Malvern Hills Science Park and around the Enigma Business Park area, are vital to our recovery."

Daniel Walton – Hallow

"The Hallow division spans the area of Malvern Hills I know best and work in daily.

"I am already a District Councillor for Broadheath Ward which is covered by this County Division having been elected there by an overwhelming majority in 2019 – replacing a long line of Conservative councillors – after people realised having someone local who can speak up for them works better than someone who must follow a party line.

"The business I established 10 years ago, OLPRO – employing 19 people from the area - is based in Shrawley and as well as having lived in Martley for ten years all of my Children have attended Grimley Primary and The Chantry School, where I am also a Governor and love supporting the school how ever I can. I have many links with the area unlike other candidates.

"Having been an extremely hard-working District Councillor for the last two years the constant block to getting the best for our villages is not having a link to County Council and having a County Council that does not look after the best interests of villages across my ward.

"I recognise that our villages are losing their identity because of this. By electing me on May 6th residents will have a voice in County Hall."

Tom Wells – Powick

"There’s a quiet revolution taking place in our little corner of the county.

"Voters are deciding to cast aside their usual party allegiances in favour of local Independent candidates.

"Such councillors are free to serve their residents and are accountable only to the people they represent, rather than party bosses.

"Independent councillors will support good well thought-out policies.

"For the past twenty four years, it has been a privilege to serve the fifteen villages in my large rural Division.

"There has not been a day when I have taken this role for granted and I am just as keen to do a good job now, as when you first elected me in 1997.

"The only difference is that I now know my way round local government and how to get things done.

"My priorities are flood alleviation, support for village schools, local businesses and organisations, improved road safety and tackling speeding. But above all, being there when residents need me."

Peter Whatley – Malvern Link

"I’ve lived and worked in Link Division for 15 years. Since 2011, I’ve been a Parish Councillor, with a voice heard on behalf of residents in both the District and County Councils.

"In 2019 I was elected as a Malvern Hills District Councillor for Alfrick and Leigh Ward, part of Link Division.

"I have a consistent record of ensuring that Worcestershire County Council step up to their duties – particularly in relation to roads and pavements. I am also well known for being community-focussed.

"I have no time for playing party politics. That doesn’t help residents. I’d rather be “hands on” fixing a problem if Worcs CC are too slow to respond to residents’ needs.

"I believe I can do more for residents as a County Councillor since no national political party can prevent me working and voting for your best interests.

"My message is clear: “People before politics”. I will engage with and listen to residents, just as I already do in my parish and District roles."