I work at Castle College where I teach Skills for Life (Literacy and Numeracy) and English. I'm married and have lived in the ward for over 5 years. As well as being involved in local green and social inclusion activities, Steve is a supporter of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

I'm standing as I feel the ward needs a voice that I don't see reflected by the other mainstream political parties. I have been involved in green issues since collecting newspapers for recycling when I was at secondary school over twenty five years ago. I am passionate about both social justice and green issues, integral to the Green Party. I have always been political but I feel disenfranchised by the main political parties and have decided to stand to provide a choice that is worth believing in.

Regeneration of Shiregreen and Brightside that includes better energy saving measures would help reduce carbon emissions and ensure the upkeep of homes is easier financially. Tenants and residents of Shiregreen and Brightside would also benefit from a regulated transport network that is more reasonably priced and reliable for its present users and would provide a 'real' alternative for car users reluctant to use it at present. Our local businesses, shops and post offices should be supported, kept clean and we should feel safe when we use them.

We need properly funded community and youth services that address the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour. ASBO's may not be a cure; prevention would be a better solution. Life expectancy in the north of Sheffield is 10 years less than neighbourhoods not even 10 miles away. I believe that by improving public services we can help close this gap. We don't need more privatization, we deserve a better service. Moreover, education continues to have a polarizing influence as opportunities and access depends to a large extent on where you live and what you can afford. Greater democratic control and scrutiny is required to help end these divisions so that all children can enter an educational establishment we are happy with.

Global warming is an issue that will continue to impact all our lives in the future in more ways than just rising temperatures and sea levels. With oil and gas running out emphasised by recent rising energy prices, our dependence on carbon rich economies will continue to negatively affect our environment, our health, our society and our wallets unless we take this opportunity to act now. It is crucial that we create more energy efficient lifestyles. We need homes that are not only affordable but also able to harness renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

My work at Castle means that I am sometimes forced to take the car to other centres in the city to be in time for my next lesson. My wife and I use public transport, walk and cycle plus we have a fuel efficient low emission car that does little mileage. Our home is fully insulated and we recycle reducing our house's carbon footprint. We holiday in Britain and sometimes abroad. We tend to fly when we visit family overseas which is not every year.