I've had notification of the forthcoming local election, my poll card has arrived.

I'm left wondering who are the candidates? What if anything will they actually do to help me and other residents in the ward?

Is it actually worth my effort getting to the polling station and giving my vote to somebody I don't know.

I haven't a clue what they stand for (their manifesto) and not had any contact,with them.

My council tax bill has risen every year along with all my other bills but I haven't seen much improvements in my area, save half baked council led schemes that must make/waste millions.

I actually live and bear the consequences of the Council allowing and giving permission to a big building company to build, then later, abandon a complex of properties, they initially described as ' The Runcorn Rivera '.

In retrospect I was naive enough to fall for the hype and invested my life long savings in a property I thought I could live out my days.

No fool like an old fool. I feel so stupid.

I'm left to pay extortionate costs for a worthless property, there seems no end to my problem.

So would a vote on May 5 change things? I doubt it. They will probably promise all manner of resolutions to local problems but once these candidates are elected they join the rich gravy train where they can claim all manner of expenses.

Whil I worry how to pay my bills and be able survive.

MICHAEL DAINE
Runcorn