THE widow of popular former councillor Paddy Kavanagh says she is "raring to go" in her bid to win her late husband's seat in a city council by-election on September 28.

Sheila Kavanagh sent shock waves through the town hall last week when she announced that she would be standing as an independent after the Labour Party selected former councillor, Richard Newman-Thompson, as their candidate.

"I'm really looking forward to getting out on the streets - I'm raring to go," said Sheila.

"I want to concentrate on the issues that affect the people who live in the ward and not let party politics get in the way. They are fed up with litter, graffiti and illegal dumping of rubbish - ordinary, everyday issues that often get forgotten.

"I'd love to continue Paddy's good work and I know he'd be proud to see me carry on. I'd love to be elected as a councillor but we'll have to wait and see."

Labour's candidate Richard Newman-Thompson used to be a councillor in Heysham before losing his seat at the last election. He is as a Labour Party worker for South Ribble MP, David Borrow.

Liz Scott is the Liberal Democrat candidate and has lived in John O'Gaunt ward for 21 years. She is a Governor of Ridge School.

The Green candidate is Peter Gordon, who lives in Clarence Street and has recently completed an MA in Environment and Society at Lancaster University. He has worked in social services and as an inspector of residential care homes.

The Conservative candidate is Chris Reich who is currently completing an accounting and finance degree at Lancaster University and served as Furness College JCR president in 1999.

The John O'Gaunt ward has 6,100 electors and the by-election will be held on September 28.