ELECTIONS 2017: Worcestershire County Council's St Peter's division

Traditionally, this area is as blue as they come, with the Tories enjoying strong support at election time.

But there's a 'noisy neighbour' now making a bit of a racket, which threatens to finally make it a genuine contest.

Worcestershire County Council's St Peter's division includes both the St Peter's estate and Battenhall.

In last year's local elections the Greens made an historic breakthrough by defeating the Conservatives in Battenhall, with Cllr Louis Stephen elected to Worcester City Council.

Many observers viewed it as a shock, but the result took years of work to pull off, similar to another Green city council victory in St Stephen in 2012.

The county council, of course, is a different beast - and the Tories will still expect to win here, given the Conservative's dominance in St Peter's.

But that said, Worcester Green Party has ranked this seat as Number 1 on its hit list for quite some time, with a lot of resources being pumped in.

You've only got to drive around the area to see how much effort is going in from both sides here - with posters for either the Conservative or Green candidate easy to spot on properties all over the patch.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, a current cabinet member at County Hall, is stepping down at May's elections, meaning St Peter's will get a new representative at County Hall.

The Tories have selected Steve Mackay in his place, the current deputy Mayor of Worcester and a city councillor.

The Green hopeful is Jane Moorhouse, with the election contest very much expected to be a two-horse race.

The Lib Dems are not contesting St Peter's while Labour and UKIP are, but expectations of either of them winning are low.

Given how close the division is to the Southern Link Road, congestion is a big issue, with many people who live here commuting elsewhere for work via the M5.

St Peter's also includes the multi-use games area adjacent to Tesco, where problems with litter have caused been highlighted several times in recent months.

This contest is a litmus test for the Conservative Party, with its activists aiming to stop their noisy neighbour from gaining any more momentum.

The betting odds will be on the status quo - but the Greens' main aim is Worcester for the 2017 elections is victory here.

John Beacham (UKIP)

I'm standing for UKIP to bring a fresh voice to County Hall.

After each election the county has the same cast of characters running the show.

The traditional parties represent the same approach. Worcester and the county need fresh ideas.

I can bring a fresh perspective to County Hall and challenge the cosy monopoly enjoyed by the Tories.

Public spending at county level faces difficult challenges in the years ahead.

As your UKIP representative, I will not shirk from facing up to them.

I will listen and act on your concerns.

Let's push for a county were we can raise the money we need locally and not face the indignity of going to the government cap-in-hand for our money.

Steve Mackay (CONSERVATIVE)

In standing for election as a County Councillor my intention is to ensure that residents of St Peter’s and the whole of Worcestershire receive value for money for all aspects of the Council’s provisions. 

I believe that scrutiny of the council’s business is very important to the good running of the services that residents receive.

At the same time I consider it is essential for councillors to actively listen to those they represent; to discover their needs and understand their issues. 

Additionally and just as importantly, making certain that the results are fed back promptly.

Finally, the role demands good communications and if I am elected I will make sure that those living in the division are kept updated regarding current topics, either by newsletters or meetings.

Jane Moorhouse (GREEN)

I support the Green Party because of its common sense approach to politics.

I am tired of politicians who have forgotten they exist to represent the public.

I believe that residents in a community are the people who know it best, they know the problems in their area and are often able to suggest the best solutions – politicians need to listen to them more.

I currently work in social care on a zero hours contract. I believe that community spirit, decent housing and high self-esteem are the foundations on which a strong society can be built.

As a non- driver, public transport and good pedestrian access are also very important to me.

I believe in encouraging local businesses, local produce, local food and local jobs.

Stephen Tallett (LABOUR)

After retiring from the financial services sector in 2009, I went on to qualify as a therapeutic counsellor.

I currently work in a voluntary capacity at a local college and centres supporting survivors of sexual abuse.

A vote for me is vote for fairness, honesty, and the provision of high quality, more efficient services.

I am determined to secure proper funding for better social care and improved children’s services as well as keeping spending within the county to be used for services that are run by local people for local people.

I am proud to be standing for Labour in this election and look forward to having the opportunity to represent the local needs of residents of St Peter’s and Battenhall, where I live, at county level.