SCHOOLS, parking problems and DSS hostels are among the prime issues before voters in an upcoming South Shore by-election.

The Waterloo ward by-election to Blackpool Council, on July 23, was caused by the death of Conservative leader John Woolley last month.

Three candidates are in the running - Ian Fowler (Conservative), Michael Japp (Liberal Democrat) and Brian Rigby (Labour).

Mr Fowler, 47, of St Lukes Road, is a chiropodist and former Royal Navy submariner.

"I'm campaigning to raise awareness of road safety outside schools, the spread of DSS and bail hostels and illegal parking," he said.

He wants parking bans strictly enforced near schools, residents-only parking expanded and is also keen to see the Solarium gardens preserved as a green area.

He is married with a daughter and previously stood for the ward last year.

Mr Japp, 46, of Geldof Drive, was a Waterloo Lib-Dem councillor from 1987-95. A taxi proprietor specialising in the disabled and elderly, he was prominent in recent demonstrations against Blackpool Council moving town centre taxi ranks.

"As a councillor I always tried to represent the views of the residents, not to simply toe the party-line," he said.

"I can claim responsibility for first proposing residents-only parking for South Shore as well as dog-loos and doggy-bins."

Married with five children, he wants to see a purpose-built youth and community centre in the ward.

Mr Rigby, 57, of Lytham Road, is a JP and self-employed businessman who has chaired Blackpool tourism and leisure, licensing and support services committees.

"Waterloo ward has its problems with residents' parking, houses in multiple occupation and issues associated with having two large schools in the area," he said, "but these are being addressed with the help of the Labour group, council officers, police and residents' committees set up by the Labour councillor.

"I want to help find solutions to these issues and there is much more I would like to achieve in the ward where I have lived for 17 years and raised my family."

Polling stations will be at Thames Road Primary School and the Solarium, South Promenade. Closing date for postal or proxy votes is July 8 - call the Town Hall on 477477 for details.

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