THE introduction of kerbside collections in Worcester has brought recycling to the fore, and makes the battle for the "Green" vote a key election issue.

The city has already made excellent progress in reducing household waste, with cans, paper, clothing and plastics all now picked-up from the doorstep.

A £400,000 Government grant helped to kick-start this initiative and the main political parties are keen to continue increasing the city's recycling potential.

The latest proposal from a city council working committee is the collection of garden waste from the doorstep during the summer months. Councillor Paul Denham, chairman of the council's recycling working party, said many residents were finding it difficult to dispose of grass cuttings, with three out of every 10 households not owning a car.

The committee, believes bins for green waste should be offered to residents on request, or green plastic bags as an alternative.

He said Labour would introduce garden waste collections if returned to power.

"Home composting is an excellent way to recycle waste, but it will not solve all the problems," he said.

"It is an effort for many residents to take green waste to the Bilford Road and Hallow Road recycling centres. Instead it could be collected during the summer and composted. This could then be sold to recover some of the costs."

Conservative councillor, and cabinet member for green issues, Derek Prodger, said looking at ways to reduce the amount of packaging used in products was another way forward.

"We will be looking at the costs involved to increase kerbside recycling, including looking at the potential of introducing wheelie bins for garden waste," he said.

Other green schemes currently running are a home shredding service and the county council's "Mission Impossible" scheme- which among other money saving schemes, offers cut-price compost bins to Worcester residents.

Geoff Williams, Labour.

Housing concerns

RETIRED local government officer Geoff Williams has been a Labour councillor for Holy Trinity ward for the last five years.

He has a wealth of experience in planning and crime prevention and is married with two children who attend local schools.

He remains a keen - but slowing - runner who has taken part in five London marathons, raising money for charity.

"As a local councillor I have taken up residents' housing and other concerns, campaigned on local traffic and speeding problems, and been involved with the Tolladine Community Centre and other local groups," he said.

Mr Williams is also a council nominee to the board of Worcester Community Housing (WCH) and says he has been working from "day one" to ensure WCH delivers on its promises to tenants.

Roger Berry, Labour.

Traffic calming

Roger Berry has been a city councillor for more than 26 years, the last six for Holy Trinity ward.

He is married to Jill, a retired teacher and has two grown-up sons, Nicholas and Richard.

As an experienced councillor, he has held most of the major offices on the council and has specialised on housing issues.

He is currently chairman of Nexus Housing Association and wants to see the development of more rented accommodation to meet the needs of young families and older people.

"I'm keen to ensure local issues are raised and have been active in pursuing traffic-calming measures in Ambleside Drive," he said.

"I want to ensure the redevelopment of Elbury Mount school meets the needs of local people and help address the concern of increased traffic on Tolladine Road.

Gordon Hazelton, Conservative.

Quality of life

GORDON Hazelton works in Worcester and is married with two young children.

He wants to regenerate Worcester and ensure a better quality of life for all.

"I want better street cleansing, anti-social behaviour tackled and ensuring everyone has access to decent housing.

"Many local people have also said they are concerned by the presence of the BNP and I would urge voters not to support them.

Martin Roberts, British National Party

Remove cameras

Electrical engineer Mr Roberts is married with five children and will be campaigning for the removal of speed cameras in "unnecessary locations" and pushing for more police on the beat.

The ex-serviceman also wants to introduce measures to create better parking at Ambleside Drive and stop it being used as a "rat run".

"I want speed cameras to be placed in relevant locations where speed is an issue and not see them being used as some other form of taxation," he said.