THE woman behind the popular Maylands and Mt Hawthorn markets is challenging Bayswater mayor Sylvan Albert at October’s council elections.

Catherine Ehrhardt, who owns Blackcurrant Clothing on Railway Parade, has announced she’s contesting south ward.

In her statement she takes aim at the council’s support for premier Colin Barnett’s ill-fated local government amalgamations.

“My vision for the city of Bayswater is to reconnect our community by creating public spaces where people want to spend time, supporting growing local businesses and encouraging inclusive community events,” she says.

“We need a council that focuses less on individual ambitions and more on the community.

“We also need a council that puts money in to improving services and keeping rates low, not bankrolling failed amalgamations.”

Cr Albert says he’s looking forward to a “hard and energetic campaign”.

“I’ve known Catherine for years and we both worked together in the Maylands Business Association,” he says.

“There will be no animosity from my side.”

Cr Albert doesn’t yet have any new initiatives to take to announce for the election, saying he’s focusing on the current budget.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK