WHEN they invented the car, they invented parking problems in the Arboretum.

Residents have become more and more frustrated over the years by increasing difficulties with parking their cars near their homes.

The simple answer according to some of them - and one that has been repeated over countless years - is a residents' parking scheme.

Supporters of the idea believe it will force workers and shoppers looking to walk into the city centre to find alternative space in official car parks.

"Arboretum parking should be for Arboretum residents only, not for office workers and commuters," said residents' association chairman Bob Tannahill.

Unfortunately, no council has yet been able to either push through the scheme or find an alternative solution.

Coun Francis Lankester, Tory cabinet member, said his party was continuing with its plans to introduce residents-only parking.

An informal consultation with residents began in January and council officials are awaiting feedback from the police on the plans.

"Some of the comments coming in were saying 'Yes, we are favour as long as there is sufficient parking for our cars'. People will have to take a judgement if there is," he said.

Coun Bob Peachey said the Labour group wants to see residents play a bigger role.

"There are those who want the scheme desperately and those who are absolutely against it whatever the circumstances," he said.

"How it is resolved is difficult to see unless there is a clear majority. It's in their own interests to take part."

Paul Griffiths, chairman of Worcester Liberal Democrats, said there were no quick solutions to the problem.

"One issue is cost and reaching an agreement with the residents on the charge," said Mr Griffiths.

"The other is the physical capacity of the road in how much traffic it can take.

"Worcester is a city, from its central core to areas like the Arboretum, which was never really designed with the car in mind.

Richard Bird,Labour

I'm a part of the area

I have spent over 40 years living in the Barbourne area of Worcester where my family has lived for many generations, so I am very much part of this area.

I work in the city as a special school teacher and have held positions on many charities working with young people.

Many issues need to be addressed in Arboretum parking, rubbish, protection of green areas and anti-social behaviour. I am working hard to resolve them.

Jonathan Cunningham Conservative

What do you want?

I want to bring a resolution to the resident parking proposals, lobby for better policing in our inner suburbs using community support officers, implement better regulation & policing of night time economy to reduce disturbance and strive to make our children's play areas safer.

But above all to listen to what the residents of the Arboretum ward want, irrespective of party colours. I want to hear what you want in your community.

Oliver Orr Liberal Democrat

Career in the NHS

Following a career in local government and the National Heath Service, Oliver Orr now works as a part-time administrator with the Worcestershire Mental Health Network, which involves representing the interests of service users and carers on various bodies

He is vice-chairman of the Worcester City association of the mental health charity Mind. He and his wife are also active members of their local church.

Bob Peachey

Labour

Councillor for 16 years

I have been a city and county councillor for 16 years and have interests in youth work and all council activities connected with leisure activities - playing fields, parks, sports centres, skateboarding, the library service and the records office.

I have been a trustee of a number of charities helping those with financial and other needs and lived in Worcester all my life. A frequent churchgoer, I also work with Black Pear Credit Union. I want to serve the residents of Arboretum.

Haris Saleem Conservative

Serving the community

I have lived in Worcester since 1987. I want to represent the people of Arboretum so, with my Conservative colleagues, I can help to continue making Worcester a great place to live, work and visit.

As a local resident, I have also been involved with the proposal to develop Worcester City Community Centre.

I already serve the local community through the All Saints project, working with children under 11 on a range of activities.