COALSNAUGHTON resident William Marlin will stand for the Conservatives in the forthcoming Clacks Central Ward by-election.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday, March 28, to elect a replacement for former councillor Phil Fairlie who stood down earlier this year.

William, who works in his family's manufacturing business 123v, based in Coalsnaughton and Tillicoultry, is active in the local community and was recently appointed to the Children's Panel.

He hopes to now spread his party's message on the streets and doorsteps of the ward.

The candidate said: "I'm really pleased to have been selected for the local by-election. Our area really matters to me, and I want to give more back as one of its local councillors.

"Over the next few weeks I'll be out on the doorsteps and speaking to residents about the issues that matter locally.

"If there is anything that I can do to help you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me – I'd be delighted to hear from you."

William was given the backing of other elected Conservative members in central Scotland this week.

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: "As a local man from a family business, William understands the needs of the local community.

"Clackmannanshire Council has struggled in recent years and it needs someone like William, who will make an ideal addition to the team.

"He has the drive, dedication and enthusiasm which is required to fight this by-election on localism."

Luke Graham, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, added: "William Marlin is an outstanding local candidate, and I'm delighted that he's been selected.

"He is already involved in our local community and has a family business in Clackmannanshire.

"With Nicola Sturgeon talking up the prospect of another independence referendum, it is vital that we send a message to the SNP that local people don't want to return to the arguments of the past.

"The result here last time shows that William is the only candidate who can stand up to the SNP here and deliver results for local people."

William can be contacted via his candidate Twitter page: @Marlin4Clacks