THE Bilford Road tip has always been an issue of debate for St Stephen residents, as well as local councillors.

Last year, it closed for six months during the summer for upgrade work, drawing wide condemnation from some people and praise from others.

Residents had to travel to Droitwich, Pershore or Malvern to recycle while the tip facilities were refurbished last May.

It was called "the daftest decision of the decade" by Worcester MP Mike Foster, despite County Hall saying better facilities were vital.

The tip re-opened in November, allowing people to separate a range of items for recycling, from DIY rubble to batteries.

Many people complain about the traffic generated the tip, which now opens every day.

Councillors also quote litter and speeding as familiar concerns from residents.

The future of the Worcester City Football Club in St George's Lane is also a hot topic locally, as the stadium backs on to the ward.

The local plan has earmarked the land for housing if the club achieves its aim of moving to a new ground in Nunnery Way.

There are two councillors in the ward, both of whom represent the Conservatives.

Coun Stephen Inman, who led the city council for four years before stepping down last May, serves St Stephen, and is currently the deputy mayor.

Former mayor Coun Gareth Jones also serves the ward, and is up for re-election this year.

PENELOPE ASQUITH - GreenPenelope Asquith says Worcester is a beautiful, historic city, and these are aspects the council should preserve and enhance.

She feels that while there has been some good work in the past few years, there is still much to do to make Worcester productive and green.

She wants the council record on recycling improved and has called for better planning designs to enhance the historical nature of the town as well as "a more innovative approach in general".

PAUL GRIFFITHS - Liberal DemocratPaul Griffiths came to the city in 1989 to pursue his career as a technical author in the computer industry.

He strongly believes power and responsibility need to be returned to local government so that it can make a genuine difference to the lives of Worcester's citizens.

He points out that Liberal Democrats nationally propose several policies that would benefit the residents of St Stephen, such as replacing council tax with one based on ability to pay.

GARETH JONES - ConservativeGareth Jones says for the fourth year the Conservative-led council has kept the city council tax rise to 2.5 per cent.

He feels this is a major achievement against rising costs and inadequate Government funding.

Many residents have sought Mr Jones' advice and help on various issues, and he has pursued these matters with care and attention.

He would continue to monitor Barbourne and Astwood brooks, which now both enjoy river status, if re-elected.

WES SPILLER - LabourWes Spiller lives in Alma Street in the heart of the ward.

He stood for election because he disapproved of council tax being "wasted" on things like a new council logo rather than better youth services, and that taxpayers' money was used to fence off a pear tree because fruit fell from it in the autumn, rather than helping pensioners pay their council tax.

He said he thinks it is time to bring in fresh blood to stand up for local people, not support "daft" decision-making at the Guildhall.