Disillusionment: Socialist Labour candidate Jim Dry believes voters have been turned off by the three main parties
Voters in Borehamwood's Cowley Hill ward face a tough choice on May 1, with four seasoned candidates standing for election.
The fight for the seat, currently held by Hertsmere Labour group leader Ann Harrison, is likely to be a close affair.
She is being challenged by the Conservative Party's Farida Turner, former councillor Frank Ward on an independent ticket and Jim Dry who is again campaigning for the Socialist Labour Party.
Ms Harrison has held the seat for four years, but was this week criticised by Mr Ward for living in Potters Bar.
She said: "I do not think living in Potters Bar makes much difference. It only takes me 10 minutes to get to Borehamwood and I am retired so I can come here during the day, so it's not an issue.
"I have managed to sort out quite a few problems for my constituents. I'm campaigning on the fact we have managed to get policies adopted such as the community toilet scheme and implementing green policies in the civic buildings.
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"I hope I will hold on to my seat. I don't take any vote for granted but on my record I ought to hold on to it - I'm working very hard to do so."
Mrs Turner was elected to Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council last May, and has since then served as the town's deputy mayor.
The 67-year-old mother-of-two said: "I suspect that people will vote on the party in general and the state of the country.
"I have found the town council work very humbling and I've met some incredible people who have given up their time for others.
"I have loved it and feel if I could be on the borough council I could help more people. I owe this community a lot.
"I will not make any wild promises because that is easy to do. I will listen to what people have to say and then act on their wishes.
"I have a lot of energy and experience and a very supportive husband, Raymond."
Mr Ward served as a councillor in Kenilworth ward for 24 years before being deselected by the Labour Party last year.
When he stood as an independent in his former ward 12 months ago he succeeded in splitting the vote, allowing the Tories to pick up the seat.
He said: "I do not mince about with words. I am asking people to stop and think about the value of having a councillor who does not live in the ward.
"What has Ms Harrison ever achieved for the residents of Cowley Hill, or even Borehamwood for that matter, during the previous four years?
"How is it possible for her to understand and demonstrate a commitment reflecting personal contact while living in Potters Bar?"
Former bus conductor Mr Dry, 64, is realistic about his chance of winning the seat, but said he can offer something different to the other candidates.
"I have stood six times, including two general elections," he said. "The three main parties are not offering any change. They are visionless and that is why I put myself up.
"They all support each other to different degrees and I think it has become evident that people can see through them. My canvassing suggests huge disillusionment from voters.
"I will be campaigning on issues such as the state of the roads, the high payments to council executives and the chaotic problems with the recycling."
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