THIS is the seat Worcester's Liberal Democrats are desperate to hold onto - because defeat here would bring their city council representation to nothing.

Not so long ago there were three Lib Dem politicians in this old stronghold, with Claines the one corner of the city which was defiantly yellow.

But in 2012 Sue Askin, who is still a county councillor, lost her seat to the Conservatives and last year, after Ken Carpenter decided to step down, nothing could be done to stem the tide as a second seat went blue.

Now the party is pulling out all the stops to ensure it's third time lucky, but the task doesn't get any easier.

Lib Dem Councillor Liz Smith, with two decades of experience behind her, has stepped down, something she had been planning for some months, with Mel Allcott the big hope to retain it.

A well-known figure locally and the Claines candidate last year, her task is to try and keep it Lib Dem, but in 2011, the last time the party won an election here, it was by a mere 17 votes.

The Conservatives know this ward is vital for their campaign to regain an overall majority at the Guildhall, with its candidate Andy Stafford hoping to make his own personal breakthrough.

People in Claines take a keen interest in democracy - year after year it boasts the best turn-out in the city, frequently topping 50 per cent of the electorate.

There are more than 6,000 voters here, mainly Liberal or Conservative in their outlook, meaning the Labour Party has not had any joy.

The ward also takes in a large chunk of the A449, where concerns about speeding cars and congestion have always been prevalent, as well as litter.

The Lib Dems believe they can hold on, despite the polling situation nationally, but it faces a five-way challenge, although expect the end winner to be yellow or blue.

UKIP's Andrew Newman, Green activist Peter Robinson, who has stood before and Tracey Biggs from Labour complete the picture.

A defeat here would be a local disaster for the Lib Dems, with everything being done to try and hold it, making this particular contest among the most anticipated in the city.

MEL ALLCOTT (LD)

Mel lives with her partner Andy and daughter in Bevere Close. She is a local girl: five generations of her family have lived or live in Claines, from her great-grandparents in Ferndale Close to her daughter at home.

Mel, who is a chartered accountant, is a treasury team leader at the university and Andy teaches at a local school.

Mel is the Treasurer of the Bevere Development Opposition Group and a governor and chair of the audit committee at Worcester Sixth Form College.

In her private life, she enjoys walking, and being outdoors generally, swimming and as a member of the Bevere Book Club, reading.

Mel says if elected she would work hard to represent the best interests of all Claines residents, keep Claines the unique, pleasant and safe area that it is and preserve theGreen Belt and open spaces.

She would also support local apprenticeships and employment opportunities.

TRACY BIGGS (LAB)

I am proud to be standing as the Labour candidate for Claines I have worked for the NHS for 32 years as a nurse, midwife and health visitor.

Throughout my professional career I have been able to make a real difference to individuals, families and communities.

I have many years experience of working in partnership with health and social care agencies and have been able to develop and influence services at a national and international level.

I am also very clear about the strains and pressures on our Health Service and the impact this has for patients and communities.

I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference as a local city councillor.

My husband and I came to Worcester because it is a great place to live.

I want to play a part in supporting our city to thrive, a city where no community is left behind.

Closing the park and ride has made traffic into the city worse, and moving the refuse site into Claines would be a further waste of public money.

If elected, I will always do my best to support the residents of Claines.

ANDREW NEWMAN (UKIP)

A married man with children, I have lived in Worcestershire for 45 years, in Barbourne for the past 18.

My working life has been in the engineering industry and management consulting. I am the owner director of a consulting practice established in 1987, Worcester based since 2007.

Issues at this election include city centre access and parking, Worcester’s standards of appearance, taxi services and facilities, building planning and development, financial realism and cabinet council practices.

UKIP’s theme in local government is simple: real authority at the local level, our members’ applying individual responsibility with honesty of purpose.

I had no political affiliation before joining UKIP but have throughout my adult life been actively involved in the community, for example with cricket, education, health, church, and the local neighbourhood.

I offer electors my respect and commitment, local familiarity, fresh eyes, clear thinking, energy, maturity, and the will to make the right things happen.

I need the votes of the electors of Claines in order to serve all the residents of Claines.

PETER ROBINSON (GREEN)

I have lived in Worcester for over 15 years.

I work in the city and have been actively involved in Green politics and environmental issues for almost 20 years. I want to preserve the beauty of the local area for all the residents and wider citizens of Worcester.

We should be working to create sustainable and self-reliant communities living in harmony with a flourishing and diverse natural environment.

Local decision making and economic management coming from the city council should be supporting production of the local goods, services and infrastructure needed to enhance the resilience and sustainability of our natural environment.

Current austerity and government cost-cutting should not be allowed to push the environmental agenda off the table, in fact many of the answers we need for the long-term economic prosperity are rooted in environmental common sense.

Short-term politically motivated knee-jerk responses to financial constraints must not be allowed to jeopardise the long-term future of our natural environment.

ANDY STAFFORD (CON)

Having lived in the city for over 11 years I know what a great place Worcester is, small enough to be friendly with a strong community spirit, but large enough to benefit from all the facilities you need.

Over the last nine months I’ve canvassed every road in Claines, chatting with residents along the way. I now appreciate how local residents feel about our city and understand their concerns.

If elected, I will be an effective voice for Claines residents, putting local people’s interests above party politics.

As an owner of two energetic dogs I spend a lot of time in our local parks, if elected I will campaign to protect our precious green spaces against development.

The state of roads and pavements is a common concern in Claines. If elected I will lobby for our fair share of road and pavement improvements.

As a Conservative councillor I will continue the party’s good work in delivering value for money services, supporting local businesses and keeping council tax and parking charges low.