The following article is a candidate profile for the Peasedown St John Independent B&NES Council candidate, Gavin Heathcote. All views expressed are solely those of the author.

I’m passionate about Peasedown! Having been a community activist for the last decade and involved with some of the village’s biggest projects, I’m putting myself forward for election to B&NES Council.

I’m hugely honoured to have the backing of Cllr Sarah Bevan, who stands down at this election after 20 years’ service to the community.

Over the last couple of years, I have:

• Set up the Peasedown Community Trust

• Created the new Peasedown Community Orchard

• Coordinated of the ‘More Trees for Peasedown’ project

• Organised Peasedown Party in the Park

• Set up the Winter Support Fund to help families in need

• Arranged for funding for last year’s Dressing of the War Graves ceremony