Ward focus: Worcester City Council's Warndon Parish South

Every time this area comes up for election, the Tories return thumping majorities, it this time around it will expect the same outcome.

This was one of eight Worcester City Council seats where the UK Independence Party stunned the rest by coming second last year, but unlike many of the wards it didn’t come close to David Cameron’s lot.

In 2014 Councillor Andy Roberts, who holds one of the two Warndon Parish South seats, got 798 votes compared to 329 for UKIP, 274 for Labour and 112 for the Greens.

Traditionally, it’s always been a four-way contest here and the same is true now, with those main quartet going at it again.

This time the Conservative hope are on the shoulders of Councillor Lucy Hodgson, who certainly had her hands full in Worcestershire’s council circles.

Not only does she sit on Worcester’s decision-making cabinet, responsible for customer services and communications, she also sits in the leadership at Worcestershire County Council.

Her role at County Hall, called localism and communities, includes the volunteer-led ‘Act Local’ scheme which is recruiting thousands of people to work in libraries, provide transport, cut hedges and so on.

On top of that, she also represents Malvern Chase, but lives in Worcester.

UKIP will be looking at another good placing here and has selected activist Paul Boyes to contest it, while Labour’s Rachel Hall is also involved, while the Greens have plumped for Alison Morgan.

Four years ago, the last time this particular seat was contested, Cllr Hodgson racked up 998 votes, with Labour coming second on 443.

The real story here could be the battle for runner-up as much as anything, with Labour feeling it has to take back the mantle owned by UKIP.

The Greens will hope their progress around the rest of the city begins to be reflected in areas such as this.

The ward is home to the popular Aconbury Orchard, off Woodgreen Drive, which is in the middle of a massive fruit tree planting project.

In 2013 the council announced a three-year scheme to plant 60, including apples, pears and plums.

And the Warndon Villages means it's certainly a busy ward to represent, with a thriving parish council in the background.

PAUL BOYES (UKIP)

I’m passionate about jobs for British people. I want to see the demise of zero-hour contracts and the rebuilding of the NHS.

I want to sustain the quality of life for residents of Warndon Parish South and would work hard to that end.

I left school in 1973 and served an apprenticeship in engineering with Bryce Burger (Lucas Bryce) Gloucester. I served in the armed forces from 1976-1984 in the Royal Electric and Mechanical Engineers as a VMB Mechanic.

After leaving HM forces I worked in the Post Office as a postman for 15 months before returning to the vehicle repair industry, where I became an area and regional manager. In the last seven years I have run my own plumbing business and also driven HGVs.

I have driven trucks on tour for the Rolling Stones, Pink, Chemical Brothers and Status Quo.

I played water polo and rugby in the army and continued with rugby as a tight head prop at club level until I was 40. I played for teams in Reading, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

RACHEL HALL (LAB)

I was born and brought up here in Worcester, attending local primary schools and the lately lamented St. Mary’s Convent School.

Worcester Tech gave me an Art Foundation course second to none and I went away to Nottingham to study fashion design.

After a few years in London I came back and worked at Oddbins for nearly 20 years until it closed. I now work in a ladies’ fashion chain in the Shambles as well as continuing to paint.

I sell and exhibit my own watercolours and write and advise on wine.

I am passionate about working with people and for the benefit of the City that is my home.

With family still here I have direct experience of local community facilities including schools, housing and healthcare.

I have been involved with the Labour Party for many years and saw first hand the enthusiasm and commitment that greeted the new Labour council in 2013.

Now I am looking for the opportunity to make people’s lives easier, happier and greener.

I want to be a local councillor for this ward, concentrating on local issues that matter to people in Warndon Villages which is such a vital element of the growth and development of the City as a whole.

LUCY HODGSON (CON)

I have represented Warndon Parish South since 2004.

Over the years I have worked closely with the parish council on numerous issues in the area as well as working closely with fellow ward Councillor Andy Roberts on many ward issues.

I have also been an active trustee of the Lyppard Hub including the recent rebranding as well as helping with a number of community events at the centre.

I have also served as a governor of Lyppard Grange School for a number of years.

During my time in office I have taken a great interest in ensuring the council gives excellent customer service and, if re-elected, I will ensure that the council continues to be efficiently run and that it delivers services that are value for money.

At all times I will speak up in the interest of the local area and residents. I will ensure the area is a clean and tidy environment whilst continuing to help tackle any anti-social behaviour - helping to ensure that Warndon Parish South continues to be a safe place to live.

ALISON MORGAN (GREEN)

I have lived in Worcester for five years with my husband and two children who attend a local primary school.

Worcester is a great place to live but a major issue is getting around the city. Cycling and walking need to be prioritised and the cuts to bus services reversed.

I also believe decisions about Worcester should be made at a local level by the city council with local businesses and jobs being supported to help keep the local economy healthy.

I joined the Green Party because of its commitment to fairness and sustainability. The major political parties make short-term decisions based on profit and greed rather than taking a long-term view.

The current austerity drive to cut spending on public services such as the NHS must be reversed and we must look to the future and how we want the world to look for our children’s generation.

I believe the Green Party is the only party addressing these important issues.