EAST WARD: Stephen Goldspink (Conservative)
STEPHEN Goldspink, of St Mary's Close, is deputy leader of Peterborough City Council and was elected in 2002.

He said: "In the last six years, I have completed 400 cases of individual casework, and in January I launched a fortnightly e-mail service to keep residents updated.

"Among my successes, I have sorted out drug use problems in Whalley Street, campaigned for an extra lane to be installed at the Bishop's Road/Vineyard Road junction, shamed a Parnwell resident into stopping anti-social rubbish dumping after threats and court action had failed, and campaigned against post office closures.

"Don't let the ward return to the dark days of invisible councillors who disappear for four years between elections.

"Please give me your support on May 1 so that I can continue with a job that I love and that many people in East ward seem to think I do very well."

EAST WARD: Simon Collister (Labour)
AT 28, first-time candidate Simon Collister, of Huntly Grove, is one of the youngest candidates standing in this year's election.
Mr Collister is married and works in London.

He will look to build on the success of Mohammed Jamil, last year's Labour candidate in East ward who came second behind the Conservatives with 552 votes.

He said: "I am determined to ensure the city benefits from regeneration which will help move it away from low skill and low wage jobs and help build strong, prosperous local communities.

"I am concerned that local planning guidance has allowed too many developments to be built at the expense of local facilities.
"I passionately believe that it is our responsibility to look after our local communities, its facilities and public services.

"I live in Peterborough, I use local services and I will make sure your views are represented."

EAST WARD: Manazar Hussain (Lib Dem)
MANAZAR Hussain, of Padholme Road, Eastfield, has lived in East ward for six years and works as a semi-skilled engineer at Perkins Engines.

He said: "There are too few facilities for young people in this area. Too often I see youngsters gathered on the streets doing things they shouldn't be.

"If there was somewhere indoors that they could meet, it could reduce these problems.

"Vandalism is also a problem, and my own car has been targeted by vandals, while there are also drug-related issues in the Saxon Road area.

"I oppose both incinerators proposed for East ward because they use untested technology.

"They are too close to the city centre and if they have to be built, they should be further away from residential areas. If elected, I will lobby the council to reverse its decision about building an incinerator."

EAST WARD: Sally Plummer (Green)
AFTER a career in law and financial services, Sally Plummer, of Franklyn Crescent, Parnwell, is now retired.

She said: "Locally, I would like to see improved road safety, better air quality, easily accessible leisure facilities for all age groups and council offices adequately staffed, including front-line services.

"Many people believe we have a democratic deficit. This is unhealthy and needs to be overcome by more open and transparent decision-making and timely public consultation on controversial issues.

"I'm particularly anxious at the present time to ensure that we do not agree to major redevelopment plans that are inconsistent with the policy of truly sustainable development that underpins our bid to become an environment capital.

"I'm not convinced that our key decision-makers fully understand this concept, let alone the developers.

"I want our children and grandchildren to be able to look forward with confidence to a safe and secure future."

Full coverage: Peterborough City Council elections 2008 - peterboroughtoday.co.uk/election2008