IF Labour wants to regain control of Worcester City Council it will need to keep hold of Nunnery - with past experience suggesting it has every chance to remain the dominant force here.

Over the years the Conservatives have eyed this ward up, with its leafy homes and neat suburbs, and chucked resources at trying to prise it away.

Yet it has remained stubbornly red and in some years, such as 2012, Labour has topped 1,000 votes here, more than double the Tory tally in that particular year.

This time around it falls on the shoulders of Labour Councillor Simon Cronin to defend the status quo, an outspoken publican who runs The Plough at Lower Broadheath.

Cllr Cronin made headlines back in 2013 when he suggested Worcester was "drowning" in too many traffic lights, saying the county council should scrap many of them.

He's also been a consistent voice on seagulls, sceptical about the council's efforts over the years to bring them under control.

A familiar contest is being played out in the ward as two of the candidates hoping to take it from him have stood before, including the Green Party's Barbara Mitra and Carl Mason, from the BNP.

Elsewhere, the UKIP did not bother with this ward last year but has changed tack now, with activist Harold Streets giving voters the option of Nigel Farage's party.

And all eyes will be on the Conservatives, with the Tory standing Jenna Mitchell as its candidate, and the one most likely to take it from Labour if it does swap hands.

Nunnery is a big ward and has its fair share of issues, especially as it takes in part of Newtown Road where congestion, pollution and litter around the Aldi supermarket have cropped up as concerns.

Parking has often been at a premium too because of Worcestershire County Council's Spetchley Road HQ and Worcester Sixth Form College, but it has become less of a problem in recent months as the County Hall car park is now bigger.

The ward is also a changing one, with Bloor Homes developing 256 homes off Kilbury Drive, a scheme which sparked controversy last year after residents claimed work was going on outside the allowed hours.

There are three sitting councillors here, all of them Labour, although one of those seats belonged to former independent veteran Mike Layland before he retired in 2012 - proof if any were needed that Ed Miliband's party will not have it easy.

Cllr Cronin's majority in 2011 was 449, with the Conservatives consistently polling several hundred as the main opposition here.

SIMON CRONIN (LAB)

It is an honour to have represented Nunnery Ward as a councillor for the last eight years.

During this time I have handled many problems ranging from flooding to fly-tipping, planning applications and car parking.

Recently anxiety has been caused by the Kilbury Drive development and the London Road Waitrose store.

New concerns are arising from the prospective Worcester Woods Retail park.

I have consistently voiced residents’ concerns about resulting noise, traffic and flooding risks and will continue to oppose any damaging impacts including potential threats to our High Street from another retail park.

I have supported Worcester City Football Club since my school days and have made my views clear in support of the club’s speedy return to it’s home city.

I am an active councillor on the licensing and scrutiny committees and was instrumental in recent reports, one recommending improvements to Worcestershire Regulatory Services (which are being implemented) and another addressing chronic city centre problems (A-boards, the gull menace and unsightly refuse sacks.)

I am a member of the city’s Conservation Areas Advisory Committee and have been a strong opponent of damage to the city’s heritage.

I will consistently use my voice to protect our heritage for future generations.

CARL MASON (BNP)

If you vote for the other parties you will be lied to and betrayed again.

Labour the warmongers, who want open borders and immigration.

The Tories, who promised a referendum yet failed to deliver it, also failed to cut immigration.

The Lib Dems who do as the Tories say. The Green Party want an amnesty for 600,000 illegal immigrants to stay here.

UKIP who are not what they appear . But in fact are just Tories on media hype.

If you want action on Britain's problems vote BNP.

On a local level we would go for free parking at the hospital and priority for Worcester people for jobs, training and housing.

JENNA MITCHELL (CON)

I have been a proud resident of Worcester for over 20 years and there is nowhere else I would rather call home. I live here with my partner and our two rescue cats.

In my free time I enjoy helping out with my local brownie group and I’m a keen Worcester Warriors fan.

My key pledges to the people of Nunnery are to keep council tax low and continue to support the freeze for car parking charges. I am committed to preserving parks and public spaces for all, and very excited about the proposals for an eight lane swimming pool.

Speaking to residents I have already identified their concerns surrounding hospital car parking and I have begun a petition for more responsible parking by staff and patients parking in residential areas.

It concerns me how many people in Nunnery do not know who their councillors are, let alone what help they can provide. It’s time for this to change in May.

Please contact me on 01905 24058 if you wish to discuss any issue or show your support.

BARBARA MITRA (GREEN)

I have lived in Worcester for nearly 16 years and work as a senior lecturer at the University of Worcester. I am married with two children.

I believe in a caring, inclusive and democratic society that allows everyone to do valuable work, follow their interests, interact with their community and enjoy the nature around us.

Our democracy should be participatory and empowering, allowing people to take an active and informed part in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Local communities should hold power by keeping the planning powers and using our money on projects that benefit local communities the most.

Major decisions, such as new residential development, transport, education and economic developments should be made for the benefit of the community, not just the planning developers and big business.

I believe the Green Party is the only party that has the policies to make our society fairer.

HAROLD STREETS (UKIP)

I care and believe in a strong local community with good services, the rock of local society.

Community centres, parks, transport, weekly waste collections, flood defences, a localised football team (bring back!) are central to community in Worcester.

I served a full career in the military as a vehicle specialist.

The last nine years were as a warrant officer, five a WOI(SSM) RLC.

I managed multi-skilled, multi-national workforces in Berlin, Akrotiri in Cyprus and Ashchurch Vehicle Depot, with a further five years as a civil servant.

I have been a production charge hand for McCain Foods (GB) Ltd, and an apprentice Blacksmith and Farrier.

I am married to a Filipino, workout five times a week and am interested in the community and service above self.

I've been a director and secretary of the Rotary Club of Iloilo City in the Philippines, helping with flood victims of Typhoon Frank, free medical help, dental care, boys and girls education week, beach cleaning and a TB project at the Santa Barbara Leprosarium School.

Vote for me to work for you.