ELECTIONS 2017: Worcestershire County Council's Warndon Parish division

This area includes Warndon Villages, one of Worcester's main commuter hotspots with a strong preference to vote Tory.

But it is not impenetrable, despite Labour struggling to make any serious headway here in previous county council or city council elections.

Four years ago, the last time Worcestershire County Council went to the polls, UKIP's former branch chairman Steve Davis came runner-up here with 636 votes.

But again it was the Conservatives that triumphed here, with Councillor Andy Roberts getting 958 to give him a majority of 322.

Cllr Roberts is one of the Tories best-known faces in the city being an ex-Mayor of Worcester, a former cabinet member at Worcester City Council and now firmly part of the Tory leadership at County Hall.

He was promoted to the county council's cabinet in May last year and currently holds for the role for 'transformation and commissioning', including responsibility for the huge workforce.

Anything other than a Tory 'hold' would certainly be a big surprise, particularly as the two city council seats here, always a good indicator of where residents are at with their voting intentions, have long been solidly Conservative.

But with five candidates on the ballot paper it remains to be seen how split the vote could be, and if any surprises are on the cards.

UKIP have fielded Jacqueline Burnett, an activist who has tried several times to get elected in recent years.

Her task will be to build on the party's support here and try to get closer to the big prize.

Green Party candidate Alison Morgan is another regular on the local election circuit, while the Lib Dems have found a hopeful in Darrell Butler, and Labour is standing activist Paul Mountain.

There is a big community feel here, with the area one of only two in Worcester to have its own parish council.

Some of the key issues locally include Worcestershire Royal Hospital, which puts serious parking pressure on the surrounding roads, and the future of acres of fields just behind it which could have been home to a £500 million out-of-town retail park had the John Lewis-led scheme not been refused planning permission.

Jacqueline Burnett (UKIP)

I'm standing for UKIP to bring a fresh voice to County Hall.

After each election the county has the same cast of characters running the show.

The traditional parties represent the same approach. Worcester and the county need fresh ideas.

I can bring a fresh perspective to County Hall and challenge the cosy monopoly enjoyed by the Tories.

Public spending at county level faces difficult challenges in the years ahead.

As your UKIP representative, I will not shirk from facing up to them. I will listen and act on your concerns. Let's push for a county were we can raise the money we need locally and not face the indignity of going to the government cap-in-hand for our money.

Darrell Butler (LIB DEM)

Born and raised in Worcester, I have lived and worked in the city most of my life and have always tried to serve the city as best as I can.

I have worked in accounts for local employers for more than eight years and I love to travel.

As a keen sports fan, I help to run the Worcester darts league, play in local football leagues and I score cricket matches in the Worcestershire League as well as helping local youth teams.

Worcestershire has an unacceptable obesity problem and I would like to see sport used as a tool to educate against and combat obesity.

I would like to see young people given as many opportunities as possible to live, work, and achieve their ambitions here in Worcester.

Alison Morgan (GREEN)

I live in Worcester with my husband and two children and work as a supply teaching assistant in a local special secondary school.

I previously researched environmentally friendly products for the paper industry. I joined the Green Party because of its commitment to fairness and sustainability.

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, with local businesses and jobs being supported to help keep the local economy healthy.

The Green Party is the only party addressing these important issues.

Paul Mountain (LABOUR)

I am a solicitor and a trustee of three charities.

I have lived in Worcester for 20 years, As your Labour county councillor, I will work flat out to provide more affordable housing, work with Worcestershire LEP to stimulate business growth and jobs, protect Lyppard Grange School’s budget and help the school to grow.

I will also deal with the chaotic parking around Worcester Royal Hospital, and partner with the NHS in prioritising public health through sports, food education and safe walking and cycling routes.

I want a clean, integrated public transport system for the whole county.

By working together, we can create a better future for Warndon, Worcester and Worcestershire.

Andy Roberts (CONSERVATIVE)

WARNDON Parish spreads from the hospital, to the business parks taking in the Villages.

Fran and I have enjoyed living in the area for many years.

As the county councillor I get involved. I’m a governor at Lyppard Primary School and St Richards Hospice and I maintain links with the parish council, high schools and local churches.

Overspill parking and speeding traffic are local problems, and for our health and happiness we must maintain our environment.

At county level we need to tackle traffic congestion and I want better links between health and social services, as well as improved services for young people.

Working as a community I believe we can make our area an even better and safer place to live.