Voters in South Oxhey will return to the polls later this month to choose a new district councillor after the resignation of Labour’s Kerron Cross.

The Hayling Ward by-election, to be fought on Thursday, September 24, will see four candidates battle for a seat at Three Rivers District Council.

They are, in alphabetical order, Deirdre Gates (British National Party), Ty Harris (Conservative), Stephen King (Labour), and Dennis Rogers (Liberal Democrat).

Conservative candidate Ty Harris says he will work to improve the appeal of the shopping parade, to tackle a lack of activities for the young and campaign for the elderly.

Mr Harris, 34, also said he would strive to reduce the speed of drivers who currently use the area as a “race track” and fight for the redevelopment of the Jet public house.

He said: “I want to make a difference to my community in any way I can. Cars are going so fast on Hayling Road that somebody will get killed if it does not stop.”

He is also a governor at Greenfield School .

Liberal Democrat candidate Dennis Rogers, of Hampermill Lane, has lived in the vicinity for more than 30 years.

He works for a water company and has served on Watford Rural Parish Council for nearly eight years.

He said: “We offer a positive alternative choice to Labour. We run Three Rivers District Council and will represent all the people in Hayling.

Mr Rogers is married to well-known local artist, Carol, and one son.

BNP candidate Deirdre Gates was elected to Hertfordshire County Council in June.

The retired legal secretary missed out by just 14 votes from claiming the seat in last year’s local elections.

She said: “I know this area very well and am already representing residents on the county council. I want to improve housing conditions, children’s playgrounds, and give young people something positive to do. Everything boils down to people’s homes and jobs.” She is also campaigning against the parking charges recently introduced near Carpenders Park station.

Labour locksmith Stephen King, of Blairhead drive, says he knows the are “like the back of his hand” – having lived on the estate since 1973. Already a parish councillor he says he will campaign to save Arriva’s number one bus route during the morning rush hour and also opposes the introduction of parking charges near the station.

Former councillor and Labour Group Leader Kerron Cross has been forced to abandon all political activity because of his new job – working as director of communications for the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.