A group of independent councillors has been launched to bring a “more common sense” approach to parish, town and district councils in west Suffolk.

Yesterday, Simon Cole, Forest Heath district councillor for Exning, announced the formation of the West Suffolk Independents (WSI) which aims to support independent candidates standing for election to councils in Forest Heath and St Edmundsbury.

He said: “The aim of WSI is to bring more common sense – and less party politics – to our district, town and parish councils and act in the best interests of the whole community. There is no party whip so members are truly independent and can act as they consider fit and proper for the benefit of residents.

“In May, we will discover if west Suffolk residents want the same.”

Andrew Appleby, a former district councillor for Newmarket’s Severals ward, will be one of three WSI candidates standing for election to Forest Heath District Council for Severals, in company with Neil Vollenhoven and Andrew Burton.

Mr Cole added: “I hope that people will look on this as an opportunity for real change in local government and, by standing for election as – and voting for – WSI candidates, help to ensure that decisions taken by local councils are truly representative and in the best interests of the whole community and not dictated by party politics.”

Anyone interested in standing as an independent can email Simon.Cole@wsind.co.uk or call 07974 443762.