I have been a Labour voter in the past, and I stood as a candidate for the Liberal Democrats in 2002, but joined the Green Party because of their persistence on climate change and their focus on local people and their communities. Housing, transport, poverty and the local economy are key issues in the ward. Many are fortunate to have benefited from our homes being updated, but some tenants have unfairly missed out! The Green Party believe that everyone has the right to a safe and warm home appropriate to their needs, so I want to follow these local issues through.

We're lucky to have good local transport such as the Supertram, along with measures to slow down traffic. However, bus services are under threat and future profiteering price rises must be opposed. I am also keen to explore with local people the issue of increasing fuel and energy prices. We need to learn how to live more sustainably to reduce poverty and, more importantly, improve the quality of life for people living in the area.

There is an urgent need to change our lifestyles to address climate change. I have an allotment and now look to buy locally grown produce from a major supermarket. I need to drive for my job but have a small car and keep mileage to a minimum. Every individual step helps!