ANYTHING other than a Labour victory would be a shock here - with St John's proving a fertile stomping ground to the party in red.

The so-called 'Village in the City' has been as loyal as patches come - returning Labour councillors year in, year out.

Now Councillor Richard Udall is up for re-election to Worcestershire County Council, sitting on a whopping 632 majority from 2013.

Given how well the Conservatives have done in council divisions immediately surrounding St John's, there is an argument to be had about the Tories under-performing here.

Given Labour's national poll ratings, one school of thought is that if the Conservatives are ever going to make dent into the hefty Labour majorities here then the time is now.

But expectations are low, with all three city council seats here held by Labour as well as the County Hall one.

There are five candidates in St John's, including some regular faces in the local election circuit in Green Richard Morris and UKIP's Rob Menzies.

The Conservative hopeful is Irene Deamer, who stood in St John's at last year's city council elections against Cllr Udall and got 1,139 votes, short by 544.

Lib Dem activist Steve Mather completes the list of five.

Some of the key topics locally include the impact of students on the city, with the University of Worcester's growth a big issue on the doorsteps.

Many family homes have long been turned into student accommodation, sparking an unprecedented crackdown aimed at limiting future numbers.

Then there is the old chestnut of congestion, particularly the lack of a completed ring road around the city.

From school standards to the St John's shopping precinct, from play area provision to the renovated high rise flats, from the old underpass to poor housing quality, there is plenty of work for any councillor to be getting on with here.

It's a hectic place to be, and nothing like so many of the county council's more rural division in Worcestershire.

Labour will expect to keep St John's red, and will point to regular successes here regardless of the national polls.

But the other parties will be seeking to increase their share of the vote at the very least.

IRENE DEAMER (CONSERVATIVE)

I live on the West side of Worcester and I know what a great community St John’s is but I believe that together we can make it even better.

I have a wealth of experience that I know I can put to use if elected including running a successful estate agents business.

I am a mother, grandmother, a pensioner and a widow all of which has taught me the value of managing on less and helping those less fortunate.

Worcester News:

In my spare time I work in a charity shop in Worcester city centre. If elected I will represent the needs of St John’s residents at the County Council and will always be ready to help.

STEVE MATHER (LIB DEM)

Having grown up in a working class family in Oldham, I have been lucky that life has taken me to many places.

I moved to St Johns in 2011 to take up a role on our railways. Having come to love living here I have decided to lay down my roots.

Worcester News:

I am proud to be a part of Worcester, its history calls to me. As such I want to make a positive contribution to St Johns.

At the heart of the Liberal Democrats is the idea that no one should be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity.

By working with these values I want to ensure that we work towards an open, tolerant and prosperous future for us all.

ROB MENZIES (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.

Worcester News:

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.

RICHARD MORRIS (GREEN)

I have lived in Worcester for most of my life. It is where I was educated, where I work and where I met my wife.

Worcester is a great place to live, yet I believe it could be so much more: a place with a bright future and a greater appreciation of it’s past; a place with an even more vibrant city centre, greater community participation and excellent public services.

Worcester News:

The only way to achieve this is by overcoming our obstacles as a city. Crippling congestion, privatised public services, housing policies lacking in common sense and the dismantling of our NHS are just some of the wrongs that need righting.

This is why I am standing in St John’s for the Green Party.

RICHARD UDALL (LABOUR)

The first priority of any St John’s county councillor will be to help Dines Green School to come out of special measures.

Education is too important to be left to chance. I will campaign for the school to get the help and extra resources it needs.

Worcester News:

Traffic is always a big issue in St John’s. Labour will build the northern relief road, to take through traffic away from St John’s streets.

Tory cuts to public services are hurting.

We need a change, a new co-operative council working for the community not against it.

I want St John’s to be a happy place again, with new play areas, sporting facilities and entertainment.

I will be a strong voice for my community.