CASTLE ward will see a four-way clash at the ballot box on May 5 between Labour, the Conservatives, the Greens and the trade unionists party.

Elections taking place this week will appoint members to the new Cumberland Council unitary authority.

Anne Glendinning, Carlisle City Council member for the ward, will contest the Castle seat again for Labour.

Councillor Glendinning said: "The last two years have been hard for people now with the cost of living crisis more people are going to struggle, the 5p cut on fuel is too little too late.

"The Borderlands initiatives for the city are important for the future economic growth of the city, but we need to remember our local communities where people live, the lack of any movement on flood protection for a large area of the city is worrying for residents and businesses in those areas we need to hold the government to its promises over this.”

Gavin Hawkton is the Green Party candidate for the Castle seat, he said: "I have worked with residents all year on issues that keep getting ignored by our council, whether it’s blocked drains, fly tipping or anti-social behaviour.

"I’m really proud to be part of the community, helping people and getting things done for the ward. I’m standing for election this May because I want to be an active, hard-working councillor that this area really needs.”

Rob Heal, who is standing for Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts said: "Let’s fight to restore workers’ rights: ban fire-and rehire, zero-hours contracts and bogus self-employment, scrap all anti-union laws and guarantee regular monthly hours and decent income to all employees.”

Syed Ali is the Conservative candidate for Castle ward, he said: "I am delighted to stand for election to the new Cumberland Council. I have lived close to the centre of Carlisle with my family for over 30 years and want to keep improving the area for the lives of all residents.

"I fully support the investment going into Carlisle Ward achieved by John Stevenson MP, be it the improvements to the Railway Station, the Citadels redevelopment, or the £9m investment of the Future High Street Fund."

He added that cleaner streets, improved schools and roads need to be taken forward by the new authority.