Appropriately for an area of Worcester that is both relatively affluent and had a fair amount of green space and trees, Battenhall, has been, at least for the last couple of elections, a battleground between the Conservative and Green parties.

Councillor Steve Mackay, who has spent the last year as Mayor of Worcester, was elected in 2014 over the Green candidate Louis Stephen with a majority of 112 votes. The two parties shared 77 per cent of the votes cast in the ward, which has a little over 4,000 registered voters.

Two years ago Louis Stephen broke the Conservative stranglehold on the two-member ward becoming the first non-Conservative winner for at least four elections, a surprise as the Greens had come a fairly distant fourth and then third in 2010 and 2012.

Despite the ward being one of the more desirable places of the city to live, it's not entirely without its problems - London road is one of the boundaries of the ward and it's a major route into the city centre for commuters and suffers as much as any from traffic congestion.

Parking is also a major issue in the area, with the nature largely residential area sometimes meaning it's hard to find a place to park.

Politically, the ward could be crucial to the make-up of the council chamber in the Guildhall. If the Conservatives, who make up the largest group in the council which is under no overall control, have any hopes of taking control of the council, then they must hold on to this ward.

Having won one of the ward's seats two years ago with 49 per cent of the vote, the Greens may have high hopes - a win here would give the party three seats on the council and possibly even more influence on the split council.

Labour will also be hoping that its surprise performance in the 2017 general election could be repeated here. A win could mean a good night for Labour.

The Liberal Democrats and UKIP have not seriously challenged for this ward recently.

The elections will be held on Thursday May 3.

Candidate Profiles

John Butterfield - UKIP

I’ve lived and worked in this city for many years and seen it change, some for the better but mainly for the worse.

Elected councillors are continually failing the residents by following their own agenda rather than the people they should represent.

The council needs a fresh approach and direction, one that is lead by the people and that is what will happen if you vote for me and UKIP.

Louise Griffiths – Green Party

I’ve lived in Worcester for almost four years now, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family.

I was motivated to get involved in local politics by watching the government in Westminster and our local county council systematically dismantle public services in recent years, in particular children’s services.

I chose to run for the city council as a member of the Green Party because I believe in social justice, in taking care of the most vulnerable in our society, and in working hard for all Worcester residents.

If I’m elected on 3 May, I will work hard to stop cuts to local services and make sure we have a city council that stops playing party politics and gets on with improving our city.

Saiful Islam – Labour

I have been in Worcester many years and appreciate how hard people work to get on. I will work diligently to support working people and those less fortunate in our city to ensure a better quality of life for all. I will ensure nobody is left behind. I am proud to be your local candidate: I relate easily to people, listen well and I’m hard working (I run my own business in Worcester), dedicated, passionate. I will be there for you, the local community and I believe I can give the things my community deserves: time, dedication, passion, motivation. Being your councillor means I can help make the difference in Battenhall and ensure everyone’s voice is heard and key problems like residents’ parking which I know frustrates many, are resolved. I’ll work hard to protect community services and will always be available to listen to you.

Karen Lawrance - Liberal Democrat

I’ve lived within, and loved, the ‘Faithful City’ since I was a baby. A divorced mother with one son, I recognise that every individual needs respect and representation. Whilst working as an engineer, I achieved a BSc Honours through the Open University. I now work for a UKAS Test Laboratory combining my demanding and variable role with being the Quality Auditor. I have volunteered with Scouts for eight years. This reinforces my determination that everyone will have access to open spaces like the Countryside Centre, parks and cleaner air. Since joining the Liberal Democrats in 2016 I have been a passionate campaigner. A keen recycler, I would like to see less household waste and cleaner streets. I would encourage more considerate parking alongside reduced speed limits in residential areas.

Steve Mackay – Conservative

Over the past four years it has been a privilege to represent residents of Battenhall and during this past year as Mayor of the city. Where possible I have used the experience from my long service in the police to assist with the many issues you have raised. Being married and now with grandchildren I am fully aware of the everyday problems faced by individuals. It’s not the past that counts but what I intend to do in the future, I believe residents want forward-looking councillors. I will fight to counter unsustainable developments; ensure our streets are clean and help tackle congestion and parking difficulties. I will work toward ensuring the council generates income from sources other than council tax, saving you money. Voting Conservative will produce financial policies that produce the best services.