comment 1 said on Monday, 7 May 2007, 5:25pm

Having canvassed for James Ledward, I hope he does "Carry On Canvassing".

comment 2 said by Rob on Monday, 7 May 2007, 8:11pm

There was no voting in my area for some reason (Shoreham beach). It was explained to be why, but I don't remember the reason now... hopefully will be the last time I'm unable to vote in Brighton as I'm moving back to town this summer.

comment 3 said by Phil / lycra_uk00 on Thursday, 10 May 2007, 12:31pm

I have always believed that it is very important to exercise our democratic right to vote. The local elections here in Brighton are just as important as the general election, as this is the only way to bring about change.

We always see things in our daily life that we would like to change, and complain so much about it! But if we can't be bothered to get off our backsides and vote, then we only have ourselves to blame for the state of things in our city and country.

The things that have always frustrated me are - Parking, The One Way System, Football at Withdean, and Rubbish on our streets..

When I moved to Brighton nearly 17 years ago it was so easy to drive around the city, now wherever you drive you get stuck in a traffic jam as roads have either been closed off or made one way.

Parking restrictions are also a complete nightmare.You need a permit that is not always available - this I found out when I lived in Rochester Gardens Hove... I was told I would have to wait over 13 months to receive a permit for that area, and while waiting received 16 parking tickets! How can this be fair? Also some car park charges are outrages in Brighton - I'm sure we have all been stung at sometime or other.

As a resident of Withdean and very close to the stadium where brighton play their football, I have many personal reasons for it to move.

Also I have always belived very strongly about recycling as it's the only way to cut down on waste. I have no reason to complain about the council tax charge as long as I see the money being used correctly.

I would say the Labour party received quite a blow at the local elections due to ignoring what residents in Brighton have been saying, and belive that the Labour goverment urgently need to pay attention over national and international issues.

comment 4 said by Andrea_Sian on Thursday, 10 May 2007, 8:49pm

It was my first time voting this year and it doesn't offer much excitement for the younger voter.

I was keen to have my say. It was difficult, however, when I only received information from two parties... a letter from Labour and a leaflet from Green.

On the way to the polling station I did feel slightly excited, but there was little to be excited about. Not a person under 45 in sight. I was then told by an older man that I wasn't old enough. I put him right!

The only slightly interesting moment was when I checked the local and national results.

David Cameron's Converse are clearly not enough to inspire the youth. Many people I know have little or no knowledge of anything political and absolutely no desire to vote. A friend said:

"I can't be bothered to drive to the polling station, but I suppose I should vote *sighs*"

What will inspire the younger voter? Maybe some actual youth rather than a middle-aged man on the TV?

comment 5 said by jonny_m on Friday, 11 May 2007, 12:58pm

I have to add that I can understand why some people don't bother to vote... Endless leaflets saying the same things, one after another, from all the major parties (and some smaller ones), just full of rhetoric and some vague and empty promises: Voter disillusion is rife for good reason!

comment 6 said by JustinK on Friday, 11 May 2007, 5:48pm

All I can say is goodbye Tony Blair and thank god for that. I have no interest... sorry :-)

comment 7 said by wildblood on Sunday, 13 May 2007, 3:19pm

So what will inspire us to take note and vote? Should more hoodies get hugged or is the plain speaking personailty-free politics of Brown gonna swing the vote?