The latest in our series profiling the people behind the ballot box:

Name? Martyn Rawlinson

Age? 43

Which ward do you represent? Fishwick

How long have you represented the ward? 5 years

Do you live in the ward/How long have you lived in the ward? I live about 25 yards away from the ward boundary!

Do you still work? If so, what do you do? Yes, Civil Servant at DWP.

If you’ve retired, what did you used to do? Not retired but I used to be a Bricklayer.

What’s your favourite thing about your ward/or place to visit in your ward? All the amazing community groups like Callon Kids club, Fishwick Rangers and Friends of Fishwick and St. Matthews, all working to make Fishwick a better place to live.

Describe your perfect day spent in and around Preston (what would you do, where would you go?) My perfect day in Preston would include cycling at least some of the Guild Wheel, taking in Brockholes Nature Reserve and Fishwick Bottoms along the River Ribble. A visit to the amazing Avenham and Miller Parks, a pint in the Continental and perhaps a North End match. Finish off with a meal made from some food from the Ribbleton Park community garden and another pint in my local, Fishwick Ramblers club.

What are you most proud of since you became a councillor? My part in developing the Friends of Fishwick St. Matthews who are currently working on a Neighbourhood Plan and winning £1million pounds from the Big Local lottery fund.

What one thing would you change about Preston? Apathy and cynicism towards volunteering.

How do you see Preston’s future? I’m very worried about Preston’s future with the council’s government grant shrinking and the economy flatlining. Preston council under Labour will continue to pursue social justice policies like the Living Wage, affordable credit, affordable housing, green energy and community wealth building.

What do you do when you’re not being a councillor or at work? I watch live music and arts in Preston. I play crown green bowls for the Acregate Labour club and Fishwick Ramblers. I try to spend time with my long suffering partner Tracey and the kids, so they can remember what I look like…