THE Farnham Residents Group will field three candidates in May’s county council elections, including a local ‘community hero’ who is throwing her hat into the political arena for the first time.

The group – which won two of Farnham’s three county council seats at the last county elections in 2017 – held its selection process last week, and now counts a new member among its ranks.

Catherine Powell will be the candidate for Farnham North, replacing Stephen Spence who is standing down in May.

Mrs Powell lives in north Farnham and has been a campaigner on important issues for many years, leading the successful fight against the proposed In-Vessel Composting (IVC) facility at Runfold landfill site.

She is a member of the Farnham Air Quality Working group and received the Services to Farnham Award two years ago.

During the first lockdown she ran a local group making scrubs for the NHS and was recognised as one of MP Jeremy Hunt’s South West Surrey Community Heroes.

Last year, Mrs Powell founded North Farnham Voice to respond to the on-going Farnham Infrastructure Programme. She says she will “continue to campaign vigorously for all residents of north Farnham”.

Farnham Central’s county councillor, Andy MacLeod is the Residents’ only sitting councillor to stand again.

Andy is one of the town’s most experienced councillors, being a Farnham town councillor as well as being executive member at Waverley responsible for planning policy and Brightwells.

Andy is also a member of the Farnham Board (controlling body of the Farnham Infrastructure Programme) so is involved with developing proposals for an integrated infrastructure solution for the town and surrounding area.

Michaela Martin, standing for Farnham South, already serves as a Farnham town councillor as well holding executive responsibility for health, wellness and culture at the borough council.

As the owner of an independent retail business in Downing Street, she has been vocal in supporting independent retailers in the town, especially during the pandemic which has had such an impact upon all businesses.

By both living and working in Farnham, Mrs Martin says she has “great insight into the important issues that Farnham faces”.

* A final list of candidates for the May 6 elections is expected to be confirmed on April 9.

But if any candidates would like to announce their candidacy early, please email [email protected]