Falkirk Council election: Profile and candidates for Denny and Banknock

The long-term regeneration of Denny’s town centre led to the building of a smart new library and a row of small shops to replace the rundown flats that once stood there. But the speed of regeneration faltered as the council struggled to get tenants at a time when many retail businesses across the UK were closing rather opening.

Denny has seen massive housebuilding in recent years and more homes are planned, raising concerns that the infrastructure won’t cope – in particular health services. But one piece of good news has been a long time coming – the announcement that the Denny Eastern Access Road will go ahead at last, after objections to the application were lifted.

The area has its share of poverty and anti-social behaviour but it also has strong community spirit and residents who are willing to roll their sleeves up, whether that’s picking up litter or planting trees.

Who won in 2017?

Paul Garner, Scottish National Party (1,664 votes) Jim Blackwood, Scottish Labour Party (965) Nigel Harris, Scottish Conservative and Unionist (916) Fiona Collie, Scottish National Party (SNP) (884)

The background

The SNP’s Paul Garner topped the poll at the last election and since then has been the group’s depute leader and spokesperson for the environment. His ward colleague, Fiona Collie, has also had a high profile as part of the Integrated Joint Board, which oversees health and social care locally.

There will be at least one change after the election as Labour’s Jim Blackwood has stood down. In his stead are two Labour candidates hoping to win a seat. James Marshall, who worked for 30 years in the waste industry, has a keen interest in the environment. Alf Kelly, who has lived in the area for over 50 years, is a former community councillor.

The Conservative’s Nigel Harris scooped up 916 First Preference votes but struggled to pick up any transfers, meaning he eventually won his place in the 10th round of counting.

In the last election, there were no fewer than 10 candidates, including three Independents who took a hefty share of the vote each although none of them got enough to claim a seat.

This time round there is only one Independent candidate, former councillor Brian McCabe who hopes to make a return to the council.

Rachel Hart is standing for the Scottish Green Party.

Who can I vote for?

Denny & Banknock (Ward 3) – four councillors to be elected

Fiona Collie, Scottish National Party (SNP);

Paul Garner, Scottish National Party (SNP);

Nigel Harris, Scottish Conservative and Unionist;

Rachel Hart, Scottish Green Party;

Alf Kelly, Scottish Labour Party;

James Marshall, Scottish Labour Party;

Brian McCabe, Independent;