RESIDENTS in Bridge ward will be turning out to vote in next week's by-election.

The seat was made vacant following the death of Conservative councillor James Leal, who died of a suspected heart attack in May, aged 30.

Cllr Leal had served on Redbridge Council since May 2002, when he was first elected to represent Bridge ward.

There are five candidates battling it out to take control of his ward: Mark Epstein (Lab), Geoff Hinds (Con), David Reynolds (Green), Daniel Warville (BNP) and Angela Yeoman (Lib Dem).

Residents eligible to vote in the election next Thursday, July 13, were due to receive polling cards with the location of their local polling station.

The venues being used are Roding Primary School, Roding Lane North; Ray Lodge Infants School, Snakes Lane East; Bancroft's RFC clubhouse, Buckhurst Way; and the Scout Hall, St Barnabas Church, Snakes Lane East.

Polling stations will open from 7am to 10pm.

Anyone with queries should call Redbridge Council on 8554 5000.

The Guardian invited the five candidates to sum up their election promises. They are listed below under their parties, published in alphabetical order.

British National Party Daniel Warville is 42 and self-employed.

He said: Political repression, known as correctness', is out of control. How dare people tell you what you can or cannot think, say or laugh at?

"All the parties have failed on every issue that's why I'm standing for the BNP."

Conservative Geoff Hinds said: "I was born, raised and have lived most of my life in Redbridge and have a record of service as a school governor and as a councillor.

"I pledge to ensure the ward remains a safe and pleasant place to live while recognising its diverse characteristics."

Green David Reynolds, married with two children, works as an insurance broker.

He said: "With action on climate change becoming urgent, a Green voice on Redbridge Council is needed. Extreme weather conditions are leading to a water shortage as well as an increased risk of flash flooding in Redbridge."

Labour Mark Epstein, a group IT manager, said: "I stood in the council elections in Aldborough, I'm a school governor at Beal and on the Redbridge Race Equality Forum.

"I would rather people voted for anyone other than the BNP. A low turnout will play right into their hands."

Liberal Democrats Angela Yeoman, an active Methodist, has lived in Bridge Wward for 26 years and taught in the Sunday School for 47 years.

She said: "I'm very keen on protecting our green spaces. Bridge ward has had Conservative councillors too long and the Lib Dems are a party that listens."