Claines ward

Based in the north of the city, it has low unemployment, at just two per cent.

It is a ward made up of families, with only three per cent of homes occupied by lone parents, compared with an average of five per cent across Worcestershire.

The ward is home to one of the most vociferous campaign groups in the city - Claines Action Group.

The group is campaigning against Government proposals to build up to 17,000 new homes in the city - with the possibility of 1,000 of them being built in Claines.

The proposal has sparked objections from the group over traffic worries.

Claines Action Group is also worried most of the Claines house building will end up on greenfield sites, spoiling the character of the area.

One map showed proposals for 600 homes off Green Lane and another 560 on fields west of the A449.

There are already concerns over traffic in Claines, with it being so close to the M5.

In the elections last year, Claines councillor Alex Kear was handed a massive vote of confidence from local people after he polled 1,649 votes - the best tally in the city.

He represents the ward along with Coun Susan Askin and Coun Liz Smith, with the latter up for re-election.

CANDIDATES:PETER ROBINSONGreenPETER Robinson believes other political parties are now showing a greater level of awareness of green matters but they still show scant attention to the problems faced in the Claines area. He says the proposed extra houses will need to be managed carefully to reduce the amount of damage done to the local environment and the impact it has upon the district. Mr Robinson says authorities must make sure the lanes do not become "rat runs", that adequate social space is provided for existing and new residents and the quintessential feel of Claines is maintained.LIZ SMITHLiberal DemocratLIZ Smith has been a Liberal Democrat city councillor for Claines ward for more than 10 years, first elected in 1990. Her interest in local politics began when bringing pressure on the council to establish Worcester's green belt and she believes that protecting open spaces such as Perdiswell, the Lodge and footpaths remain vital in maintaining the area's quality of life. She says speeding on the roads, parking, maintenance of pavements, litter and anti-social behaviour are other important issues and voicing people's concerns about them has always been a priority for her.JOY SQUIRESLabourJOY Squires has lived in Lansdowne Road, Worcester, for 20 years, together with husband George and their two sons. A former university lecturer, she now works as a consultant in regeneration projects in inner city areas. Mrs Squires believes passionately in local people "having their say" and is a strong supporter of local forums for people to decide on priorities for action - a development she says city Conservative councillors oppose. Mrs Squires says planned extra housing and the possible extension of the Worcester bypass are the main issues facing the area.NICHOLAS TURNERConservativeNICHOLAS Turner says that, as a Claines resident, he believes in conserving the "best of what we have". He promises to ensure local people are engaged in meaningful consultation about the expansion of Worcester.

Mr Turner wants to offer his experience to fight to ensure that there is "no change without agreement" and "no expansion without thought for the real costs". He says there must be greater awareness of the needs of older neighbours and better facilities for young people. He believes in tackling litter with robust enforcement. He says he can provide "an effective voice" for Claines.