AS voters in Helensburgh and Lomond prepare to go to the polls in next month’s local government elections, this week we begin a three-part series in which the 20 people vying to represent the area for the next five years make their pitch for your votes.

In the first instalment we feature the five candidates who are contesting the Helensburgh Central ward.

Bounded by the Tor Wood to the west and the railway line between Craigendoran and Helensburgh Upper to the east, Helensburgh Central is one of only three wards in Argyll and Bute to have four seats in the council chamber in Lochgilphead.

The ward has been represented by a wide party-political mix for the last five years in the shape of one councillor from the SNP, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, and one independent.

According to the Scottish Index on Multiple Deprivation, the ward is home to some of the second-most deprived, but also some of the least deprived, households in all of Argyll and Bute.

The candidates for the Helensburgh Central ward told us what mattered to them -

Gary Mulvaney (Conservative) IT has been a privilege to represent the people of Helensburgh over the last two terms and I think we have seen a genuine improvement in the town’s fortunes.

The job is not finished and with your support I would like to represent the community for a further term.

My first priority, if elected, is to make sure we get a new swimming pool that we can be proud of. Other local priorities are: * Town centre – I will work hard to ensure that the pavements in the east and west, the flood alleviation works at West Clyde Street, and the esplanade footpaths out to Kidston Park, are all delivered.

* Housing – I support building more homes for local families to own or rent.

* Education – I will work hard to ensure our local schools are the best they can be.

* Roads and footpaths - The Conservatives ensured that there was an extra £2.5 million in this year’s budget for roads and pavements and will continue to push for more.

* Strong Voice – I will continue to stand up for a fair share for our town, working co-operatively with like-minded residents and local organisations to get the best deal.

These may be local elections, but it is important that we give the clearest signal to Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP that we do not want another referendum.

With Labour in meltdown and the Lib Dems diminished and dithering on the Union, only a vote for Ruth Davidson’s Scottish Conservative and Unionists can make the SNP take notice.

Every first preference for the Scottish Conservatives matters.

Aileen Morton (Liberal Democrat) For the last five years I have worked hard for the people of Helensburgh Central, trying to improve life for individual constituents and also improve the town as a whole.

From achievements that started before I was even elected, such as getting Scottish Water to tidy up their site at the top of the town, to town-wide issues, such as repairs to the sea wall, I have always listened to local people and done my best to deliver what they needed.

One of the highlights of the last five years has been the chance to support local groups who have so many ambitions of their own, and work hard to make them happen.

From Helensburgh Community Woodland Group in the west of the town to the Kirkmichael Community Development Group in the east of the town, it has been enormously rewarding to see the progress they have made.

If elected, I would absolutely want to continue to support groups like these who make such a difference to Helensburgh.

Since 2012 I have continued the Lib Dem tradition of keeping in touch with constituents through regular Focus leaflets, as well as my Facebook page and monthly surgeries. I will of course continue this for as long as I represent Helensburgh Central.

My priorities looking forward are to continue the work already started – to see college education on offer in Helensburgh, see the new leisure centre delivered, and bring more events to the town.

I hope local people will recognise the efforts I have made and vote Morton on May 4.

James Robb (Independent) I HAVE worked hard for Helensburgh residents over the last ten years as a councillor, with some notable successes, such as the Colquhoun Square referendum, a more flexible curricular model at Hermitage Academy and free car parking.

Working with other councillors and the community, funding for the Civic Centre. Hermitage Park and a new Leisure Facility has been secured.

I have always worked towards a consistent set of priorities: 1. To provide residents, as far as possible, with the quality public services to which they are entitled or deserve; 2. To support and advocate for residents on their problems and concerns; 3. To ensure a fairer distribution of council resources so Helensburgh is no longer disadvantaged; 4. To make the council work better and become more open and accountable for its decisions and performance.

If re-elected I will remain an independent councillor but will work with any other councillors who share my desire for improvement in council services, fairness and efficiency.

My council responsibilities will, as always, have my full attention and commitment.

Helensburgh is a great place to live and I have a passion to make it even better and to improve the lives of its residents.

I believe I can best achieve that for you by serving as your councillor and I would ask you to give me your backing on May 4.

Lorna Douglas (Scottish National Party) IT’S time for change - not just in the administration of Argyll and Bute Council, but also time for change in the type of councillor that we need to elect, to facilitate community empowerment.

We need a councillor with varied and current skills and experience in key areas of our community, to challenge and bring about a change in the running of the council.

Argyll and Bute must be made accountable in meeting the needs of the people of Helensburgh.

This can only be realised by having a councillor who works at the grassroots level, empowering the community, by supporting, facilitating and fighting for the needs and aspirations of our local people.

As a teacher, I have heard first hand from our young people the issues facing education in general.

As a third sector worker, in interfaith, I am involved in current issues of social justice and equalities that are affecting diverse communities across Scotland and the UK.

As a member of Helensburgh Community Council, I am aware of the main community issues within Helensburgh and the surrounding area.

As a businesswoman, I previously facilitated the provision of both local and national recruitment and I’m conscious of the need for a vibrant local business environment.

Raising awareness of grassroots needs and opinions and supporting local initiatives is a responsibility, if elected, I will diligently undertake.

I am proud to represent Helensburgh and its people, with whom I have shared my life for more than 30 years.

Graham Hardie (Liberal Democrat) IF I were to be elected as a councillor for Helensburgh Central my priorities would be firstly to set up a youth club in the town (I am already in communication with the parish church to achieve this intention).

Secondly I would like to see new computers in the local library and thirdly I would like to set up an annual mini literary festival.

Other priorities for me include a mental health awareness day and a community day within the town.

The people of Helensburgh should vote for me because I have lived within the community for a long period of time and I am aware of the ongoing issues within the town, including persistent dog fouling, a lack of facilities for young people at night and limited childcare choices. And I am determined to resolve these issues positively.

As a Lib Dem candidate I would work to keep in touch with constituents by holding monthly surgeries and delivering Focus leaflets on a regular basis.

I have significant experience working in social care, providing support to individuals, and am keen to promote the well-being of people with disabilities both mental and physical.

I would encourage and support new initiatives in this area, like drop-ins and more social support, etc.

If the people of Helensburgh Central choose to give me their number 1 vote, I would represent the people of Helensburgh to the best of my ability and a vote for Hardie is a vote for Helensburgh!

There are four polling stations in the ward, located at the Victoria Halls, Helensburgh Parish Church, the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre’s Templeton Annexe, and the Kirkmichael Centre.