ZOO owner David Gill is standing as a Conservative candidate in the Barrow Borough elections.
The South Lakes Safari Zoo boss is aiming to claim victory in Dalton North - one of the most hotly contested wards.
Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, Mr Gill said: “I’ve lived in this area for nearly 54 years and I’ve seen it change. Dalton has suffered dramatically during the years. Fighting to get change from the inside is the only way to do it.”
Mr Gill is hoping to reduce parking charges to increase footfall in the town centre and make it easier for small businesses to flourish.
The other candidates are Councillor Ann Thurlow (Labour), Andrew Shepherd (Ukip), Jamie Samson (Conservative), former councillor Jill Heath (Conservative), Kent Sheldon (Labour), Barrow general election hopeful Clive Peaple (Lib Dems) and solicitor Sean Harkin (Labour).
Labour currently hold 29 of the 36 seats with the Conservatives holding the other seven.
Labour will contest all 36 seats on May 7, while the Tories will go for 19, Ukip for seven, and the Lib Dems for one.
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