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 continues our election coverage with a look at the CATHEDRAL ward.

MANY fierce election contests have been won and lost here over the years - with Cathedral anything but dull.

The liveliest and most central ward in the city is a real 'bellwether' one - with both Labour and the Conservatives seriously looking to win it.

This is Worcester's biggest patch, stretching from the city centre and all the issues that entails to the revived, ever-improving realm of Diglis.

It means shopping, city congestion, taxi drivers, late night licensing, the homeless, all of these topics and more fill the workload of those representing it.

The epic battles Cathedral often conjures up was no better illustrated in 2015, when former mayor and Tory Councillor Allah Ditta held on to his seat by 139 votes.

On a big 63 per cent turnout Labour's Adam Scott polled 1,760 votes but it was still not enough, after voters came out in droves to deliver a tight verdict.

This ward is also the place where current Labour Councillor Jabba Riaz managed to switch parties from the Conservatives and still win, holding on by 198 votes in 2014.

As if the recent backdrop doesn't make Cathedral interesting enough, this year it's the turn of Labour Councillor Lynn Denham to defend it.

Councillor Denham was elected to the Guildhall for the first time in 2012, winning by just 60 votes after an enthralling count which saw senior Tory cabinet member Francis Lankester defeated.

Now Councillor Denham is preparing herself for another battle, with the Tories standing activist Barry MacGabhann.

Mr MacGabhann is a former publican and Worcester Lib Dem activist who quit the party several years, citing city MP Robin Walker and his track record in supporting businesses as an influence.

Green Party member Jane Moorhouse and UKIP's Hazel Finch, regular candidates at Worcester's local elections in recent years, complete the quartet of hopefuls.

The Labour Party will view Cathedral as crucial, if it is to stand any chance of grabbing back control of the Guildhall.

In turn, the Conservatives see it as a ward they stand a realistic possibility of making a gain in.

Householder interest is high here - and people in the ward will know every single vote cast could make the difference either way.

LYNN DENHAM (LAB)

Since 2012 I have been an active councillor who listens, stands up for all communities and makes things happen in Cathedral ward.

It has been an honour to represent the historic and cultural heart of Worcester.

My achievements include new playgrounds in both Fort Royal Park and Diglis Fields, working with police and other agencies for a safer Worcester, residents’ champion against late night licence applications and advising on housing and planning issues.

If I am re-elected, I will continue to stand up for the issues that matter to Cathedral residents and:

• fight for decent housing and community investment

• make it safer to walk and cycle in Worcester

• create parks for local people to enjoy

• champion change for a 'greener' Worcester

HAZEL FINCH (UKIP)

If elected as your councillor in Cathedral I would strive to improve the quality of life for the ward’s residents.

The issues of congestion and parking are acute problems, amongst others.

I support a reduction in taxi numbers and a stricter approach to managing the behaviour of taxi drivers on Foregate Street.

The city council should look at creating a taxi park.

I would be free from a party whip to put residents first.

I joined UKIP in 2002 because I firmly believe Britain should be free to govern itself and not be ruled by an undemocratic foreign power in Brussels.

BARRY MACGABHANN (CON)

I have lived in Worcester for the past nine years and originally came here because of its reputation as a great place to live and work.

The riverside is Worcester's jewel in the crown and I have been impressed by the council’s commitment to improving it as well as making the most of Worcester’s significant history and heritage.

If elected, I will work to encourage tourism in our city so we have an even more successful economy.

One of the main reasons why I joined the Conservatives is the council's success in enhancing our greenspaces and parks.

The money spent improving Fort Royal, Gheluvelt Park and the riverside makes Cathedral ward an even better place in which to live.

The regeneration of areas like Diglis has helped our city to gain national recognition as one of the best places to live in the UK.

As a councillor I will work to ensure that further improvements add to the quality of life for local residents.

JANE MOORHOUSE (GREEN)

I support the Green Party because of its common sense approach to politics.

I am tired of politicians who have forgotten they exist to represent the public.

I believe that residents in a community are the people who know it best, they know the problems in their area and often are able to suggest the best solutions – politicians need to listen to them more.

I currently work in social care - on a zero hours contract. I believe that community spirit, decent housing and high self-esteem are the foundations on which a strong society can be built.

As a non- driver, public transport and good pedestrian access are also very important to me.

I believe in encouraging local businesses, local produce, local food and local jobs.