ON THURSDAY, May 5 voters will be going to the polls in the local elections for Worcester City Council.

Worcester News' Political Reporter Tom Edwards kicks off our election coverage with a look at the ARBORETUM ward.

A THREE-HORSE race is on the cards in Arboretum - in a ward Worcester's Labour Party must keep to stand any realistic chance of a good election year.

There are two seats in this ward both held by Labour, and this year its former parliamentary candidate Councillor Joy Squires has the task of keeping that status quo.

This time last year Councillor Squires was Labour's big hope for Worcester as she took on MP Robin Walker in a bid to turn the city red and get Ed Miliband into Downing Street.

In the end Mr Walker extended his majority significantly to end up with a 5,646 majority - and since then Councillor Squires has moved on to become Worcester's Labour group deputy leader.

She will hope to benefit from a strong personal following in the ward - four years ago she kept her seat after polling 848 votes, more than double the Tory tally of 370.

But one of the big factors here will be the shift in the political landscape which has appeared to benefit the Green Party.

Last year Green Party activist Sue Avery, who is standing again this May, polled 640 votes - with her party's support up by a staggering 400 per cent since 2012.

The Conservatives polled more than 900 votes this time last year, helped by the General Election's blue surge.

Another rise in support for the Greens and Tories could make it interesting, although anything less than a Labour hold would be seen as a serious shock.

Councillor Squires' chances are sure to be boosted by UKIP not fielding a candidate in this ward.

That surprise anomaly means Arboretum is the only seat of 12 up for grabs across Worcester this year where there are just three hopefuls.

There is a strong community feel here, largely led by Arboretum Residents Association, which gives the ward a strong campaigning voice.

Given how dense the area's housing is, the growing number of student properties are an issue, as are parking problems.

One of the biggest debates in this ward centres around the future of the Sansome Walk swimming pool site, with the crumbling building due for demolition early next year.

The city council could make a tidy profit by selling it to developers for housing, which is the residents' preferred option as opposed to a pay and display.

SUE AVERY (GREEN)

I have lived in the heart of the Arboretum for several years now and take an active role within several local groups to help improve our area and the lives of those living in it.

I also regularly support national campaigns e.g. against Trident and in support of the NHS. I believe in fairness and looking to the long-term, at a time when many politicians seem interested only in very short-term thinking; elected representatives have a moral responsibility to consider what they will leave for future generations.

I feel that it’s important to ask people what they want for their area, instead of just making assumptions.

Encouraging local businesses, services and community groups makes good environmental and economic sense and will help Worcester to thrive and become more resilient.

JOY SQUIRES (LAB)

It is a great privilege to represent Arboretum Ward - the area where I live.

I am a ‘hands on’ Councillor, working with local residents and getting involved with litter picks and community events, as well as tackling the wider issues affecting so many in Worcester.

I have fought successfully to limit Houses in Multiple Occupation and for controls on private landlords. Commuter parking remains a problem, worsened by the closure of Park and Ride.

I am proud to be Chair of Worcester Canal Group, doing such great work to improve the canal area.

Last year’s Canal Festival, which I helped organise, was a highlight.

Ensuring everyone is able to get a brighter future, I have led a Council review into youth and disability employment.

JOHN STENSON (CON)

I have ample time to devote to council affairs as, since retiring, my commitments are limited to voluntary work for St Richard’s Hospice and Committee membership of my Residents’ Association in Arboretum Ward.

Councils spend residents’ (your) money on your local services. 

I believe it is most important that all expenditure is examined on a strict ‘is this value for money’ basis.

I am interested in how Worcester Council can help local businesses grow and attract more companies. 

More employment means a stronger city with improved prospects for school leavers.

My working life was spent in the retail industry, ending as Retail Operations Director for a national chain. 

I have lived in many cities but Worcester is the finest, with its river, parks, history and heritage - it is where I brought up my children.  I would be proud to serve Arboretum and the city.