ROBBIE TAYLOR is Cornwall born and bred and has lived in the St Mary's ward for most of his life.

Mr Taylor recently retired from Cornwall County Fire Brigade after 31 years' service.

He was the station manager and officer in charge at Bodmin Community Fire Station.

When asked why he has put himself forward, he said: "Because I enjoy a challenge and also because I have always been intrigued at the workings of the council and have been critical of it in the past.

"This is an opportunity to put that right.

"I could say something along the lines of 'if elected my mission would be to ensure the council achieves greater strategic integration in order to engage, and create synergy between, its partners and stakeholders'. However, I don't believe that kind of rhetoric means much to many people.

"I intend to represent the ordinary elector, the man and woman in the street. I am not constrained by any business agenda or political mandate."

Mr Taylor felt the public have repeatedly given positive support to the Bodmin master plan, and he believed that as well as shaping the future of the town, there remained current issues that require attention.

"Parents should be able to walk their children to school without fear of contamination from the pavement.

"Bodmin is virtually closed in the evening. There is a need to attract facilities that people want and will use, which will also enhance the image of the town. Traffic flow needs a review.

"Bus services must be maintained, it is absurd to consider otherwise. Fuel poverty is a concern, especially in a low income area such as ours.

"Affordable housing for local people should mean exactly that, with prices reflecting local salary levels."

He said it was important that people use their vote.

"As polling cards will not be issued for this election, voters might like to retain this article as a reminder to attend their usual polling station at either St Mary's Parish Centre or Shire House Suite on Thursday, March 1,'' he said.

Other candidates are Jake Lyne (Liberal Democrat); Paul Ellis (Mebyon Kernow) and Chris Wilkes (Conservative).