Ripon city councillor Andrew Williams wants to voice residents' concerns on North Yorkshire County Council as well.

For the past eight years, he has represented Harrogate's Bilton Ward on the county council, but wants to switch to Ripon's West ward.

Councillor Williams, 30, said: "I was born and bred in Ripon and live in the ward I want to represent.

"Ripon is going downhill fast and needs a better deal. Rather than grumble about it, I want to do something positive."

He also had eight years experience on Harrogate Borough Council. Since he joined the city authority two years ago, he has taken up concerns over parking.

He has been fighting to have pay-and-display parking in the Market Place scrapped, and wants to continue his battle from inside County Hall.

He said: "Ripon is suffering greatly from competition from Northallerton and Thirsk, where shoppers can park free.

"I want to reverse the decline, which has led to the closure of several city centre shops, by encouraging motorists rather than putting them off."