ELECTIONS 2017: We take a look at Worcestershire County Council's St Stephen division

Back in 2013 veteran Conservative Mary Drinkwater witnessed the end of her political career here, losing her seat to newcomer Matthew Jenkins from the Green Party.

Cllr Jenkins got 1,179 votes compared to her 910, ending a long spell in public life for the Tory that started back in the 1980s as a city councillor.

This is Cllr Jenkins' first crack at defending his seat, with the Conservatives hoping to regain the old stomping ground.

The Tories are fielding Alan Feeney here, a current Worcester city councillor who was elected in 2015.

He will be expected to push Cllr Jenkins close, especially given the current national polls for the party in blue.

Labour's Saiful Islam, a regular election candidate in the city, is also up here as is Paul Boyes for UKIP, who has made several attempts himself to get elected in Worcester.

St Stephen includes Bilford Road, where the sheer speed of cars has been an issue for a long time, with appeals for traffic calming going nowhere.

Perdiswell's impressive new £10.5 million swimming pool is also in the division, as is the fields where Worcester City FC could be getting a new stadium and the city cemetery.

Parking problems, congestion, pressure on school places and litter are just a few of the concerns making headlines in recent months.

The fact there are two city council seats here, one held by the Green Party and the other held by the Conservatives, tells you everything you need to know about St Stephen.

It would still be surprising to see the Greens lose this seat, given the efforts made by the party to slowly build up its support base before the 2013 breakthrough.

But equally the Conservatives will be aiming to show they have the momentum to regain what was once a happy hunting ground for so long.

Paul Boyes (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.

Alan Feeney (CONSERVATIVE)

I have lived in Worcester for over 10 years and as a local businessman I have a keen interest in supporting the local economy.

I believe that the Conservatives have the right ideas to help our city prosper while protecting our precious green spaces.

I have been campaigning hard in St Stephen’s for a long time and I have a real feel for what matters to residents.

At every door I find that people raise similar issues such as traffic congestion, roads and paths which need resurfacing as well as local bus provision and parking.

I believe in action; not just talk and will tackle all issues head on.

My passion has always been for the service of my local community and standing up for the interests of local residents.

Saiful Islam (LABOUR)

As well as living locally in the St Stephen’s Division, I run a popular restaurant in the area.

My son attends Tudor Grange Academy and most weekends you will find me supporting him and his team mates at their football matches.

I am very concerned that Tory cuts to schools’ budgets will mean that our local schools will lose teachers. This cannot be good for our children.

Coming on top of cuts to children’s services what does this say about the priorities of our Conservative councillors at the county council?

Proper investment in our children’s future and a more compassionate and caring approach to care for our elderly, ending the scandal of 15 minute visits, would be my top priorities as your county councillor.

Matthew Jenkins (GREEN)

I live in Worcester with my wife and two boys, aged 14 and 10.

I have been running my own website design business for over 10 years.

For the past four years, I have been privileged to be the county councillor for St Stephen.

By talking to residents throughout the year and writing regular newsletters, I understand the issues in the area.

I have organised over 50 litter picks and worked with local groups to improve the area.

I have argued against cuts to bus services, including the closure of the park and ride, I have successfully lobbied for more money to be spent on pavements, and I have instigated a review of the council's resident parking scheme.