Green issues count in Hanover and Elm Grove

1:28pm Thursday 19th April 2007

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The area is often dubbed Muesli Mountain, with environmental issues paramount to many voters.

But while Labour lost two seats to the Greens in the last elections, their remaining councillor, Joyce Edmond-Smith, has impeccable green credentials and 20 years of experience.

The Greens and Labour are the only true contenders for this ward. Both believe they can make gains.

Labour's national policy will not be popular with many in the ward, but Coun Edmond-Smith has regularly opposed her party on issues like the war in Iraq and Trident. She said she hoped to be joined by two new Labour councillors, Leo Barraclough and Brendan Hanlon, after May 3 and would work to improve parking and protect green spaces.

Green councillors Bill Randall, who has taken a prominent role in the Green Party locally, and Georgia Wrighton are both standing again, and have been well received in the ward. They are joined by newcomer Vicky Wakefield-Jarrett.

The Greens said they were well established and quietly confident about taking Labour's last seat.

They said they had worked to improve rubbish collections and had dedicated time to areas like the Queen's Park estate.

The Lib Dems are fielding three candidates, Matthew Barker, Beulah Town and Ellen Woolley, and hope their positive message on equalities will chime with the area's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Luke Foster, James Mortimer and Guy Gilmour are standing for the Tories, who say parking, crime and litter are the main issues.

For a full list of candidates in Brighton & Hove, click here.