THE old adage that every vote counts is certainly true in Riverside - where Worcestershire County Council's leader needs to hang on.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, who took over the top at County Hall in January 2016, is defending a relatively tight majority of 131 votes here, making it a serious electoral battleground.

Four years ago, the last time voters here elected a county councillor, Labour's Lynn Denham came runner-up.

Cllr Denham, the current mayoress in Worcester and a city councillor, is standing again and hoping to deliver a shock blow to the heart of the Conservative administration.

National polling certainly points to this being a good year for the council's leader to seek re-election, but the 'UKIP factor' could also prove significant.

In 2013 the party got 486 votes here to finish a strong third, less than half Cllr Geraghty's total of 999, but certainly well above expectations.

Post-Brexit, the question here is will UKIP's voters stick with the party or go elsewhere, and if they do back another candidate, who will benefit?

The Liberal Democrats didn't contest Riverside last time around but they certainly are now, with ex-city councillor Ken Carpenter hoping to pick up votes.

He will expect to help fragment some of the vote, as will Green Party candidate Hannah Cooper, one of the parents involved in last year's protests over controversial children's centre cuts which caused such a storm at County Hall.

Labour's concern would be that the presence of both their names on the ballot paper could potentially eat into the 'left-wing' vote here.

The Riverside division is of vital importance and covers part of Worcester's iconic riverside network as well as sections of the city centre, including the congested Upper Tything.

It also covers areas like Croft Road, including the zebra crossing that both the Conservative and Labour candidates here have cited in their pre-election campaigning as a key congestion hot-spot to tackle.

The Tories leadership realises that defeat is unthinkable here, which is why major efforts are going into holding Riverside.

In turn, Labour will feel hopeful of scoring a headline-grabbing upset, with the campaigning from both major parties turning into a daily slog some time ago.

KEN CARPENTER (LIB DEM)

I have lived in Worcestershire for 36 years and Worcester itself since 2005.

Until retirement I worked at RSRE, and I am still a part-time consultant. I have been a Malvern Hills District Councillor for eight years and a Worcester City Councillor for four years.

Worcester News:

It is a good time to be a Lib Dem: our membership has soared and we are winning council seats across the country. Perhaps this is because we remain true to our beliefs.

I believe in financial responsibility and probity, but not in austerity. I believe people should take responsibility for their actions and lives, but also that they are entitled to expect good education provision, social services, roads and a good health service.

HANNAH COOPER (GREEN)

I live in Worcester with my husband and toddler.

I have been a member of the Green Party for seven years.

I am standing for election because I believe the council needs a broader range of perspectives.

Local authorities’ decisions have a huge impact on the lives of young people, young families and low-income households.

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I have been an active campaigner for services for children and families: I have spent most of my working life as a childcare practitioner, and I know how crucial early help and support is to ensure that children have a happy, healthy and fair start in life.

I will embody the Green Party’s fair, sustainable and evidence-based approach in fighting for the interests of all residents.

LYNN DENHAM (LABOUR)

I am a someone who cares, who listens and is a strong voice for local people.

I have helped many residents speak out about building developments, noisy bars next door and difficult housing problems.

People deserve a strong voice at County Hall too. Everyone deserves a chance and we all need help sometimes.

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The cuts have gone too far and it is time for a change. My priorities for Riverside include putting people first and fighting for decent services and taking congestion seriously, making it easier to walk and cycle safely.

As well as support for children and young people to get the best start in life, having a healthy active city which looks after vulnerable people and giving everyone chance to earn a living wage.

HAZEL FINCH (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.

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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.

SIMON GERAGHTY (CONSERVATIVE)

As someone who grew up and continues to live locally within Riverside division I know this is a great place to live but I also understand the challenges we face too.

Alongside Robin Walker MP, I have delivered a local 'Residents Survey' to every home in the area - listening and acting on over five hundred replies received.

As a result, we are now investing more into social care, roads and pavements and tackling congestion.

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Working with Government, we’re dualling the Southern Link Road, building Worcestershire Parkway station and supporting businesses to grow.

Locally, I have championed major improvements to the city centre and riverside as well as the new £5 million cutting congestion fund that will see new technology used to improve traffic flow and reduce journey times.

I continue to work on the remaining parking problems and organise community litter picks.