Independent candidate James Smith will push for safe routes and buses for children attending Garnock Community Campus if he is elected in May's council elections.

The founder of Hillhead Pets Corner, who is standing for the Kilbirnie and Beith Ward, has lots of ideas to boost the local community and asks for your vote, regardless of political persuasion.

James founded Hillhead Pets Corner in 2012. The charity helps children, vulnerable adults and families to improve their quality of life by caring for animals, experiencing the outdoors through various projects, and engaging with the environment.

James is also an ambassador for the Scottish charity Children 1st and was appointed to the Icon Awards Board in 2016, which celebrates and promotes diversity and equality throughout Scotland.

He said: “There are many things in this community that are far more important than party politics, especially doing the right thing, so it is imperative that we have independent representation to balance decisions that are potentially party led.”

James said that if he is elected, he will “continue to fight for safe routes to school and buses for children attending Garnock Community Campus”.

He said he will also push for improvements to the junctions on the Beith Bypass and continue to support the new extension for Kilbirnie Cemetery.

James added: “I will endeavour to improve our open spaces and environment by continuing to support local initiatives in the development of play areas and gardens, as well as supporting local environmental groups, Neighbourhood Watch schemes and actively encouraging responsible dog ownership.

“I will continue to support our local shops and businesses and support and create local employment.

“We need to keep our libraries in our community so I will fight to keep and improve Beith Library. I will question current policies and ongoing initiatives at council level, as well as join committees that actively support and help our community.

“I will continue to support local initiatives and charitable organisations to boost the Garnock Valley in a positive direction.

“I ask for your vote regardless of your political persuasion. I ask for your vote based on the person I am and not the party. I have no political agenda. I ask for your vote if you, like me, have a social conscience.

“Remember you only need to vote for one person, so please put a 'no. 1' in my box. Great minds think independently, together we can make a difference. Thank you.

“I am not working within the confines of political party policies, I am working for the community and what the community wants.”