We asked Worcester's four candidates to answer the following questions about issues which affect the lives of everyone in the Faithful City.

- Worcestershire consistently ranks very low in education funding league tables. What would you do personally to alter the situation?

- Some people fear medical staff are under strain at the moment and say Worcester's new hospital won't have enough beds. What strategies do you have to improve the situation?

- The Evening News often prints court stories about people stealing because of drug habits. What would you do to reduce offending and addiction?

- Worcester has been badly affected by floods. What would you do to ensure householders are protected in future?

- Planners and businesses in Worcester are worried by competition from places such as Merry Hill and Cheltenham. What ideas do you have to regenerate the city's economy?