Residents fed up with by-election fever (From Daily Echo)

Residents fed up with by-election fever

12:30pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Bethan Phillips, Reporter

Craft club members and staff at Age Concern in Eastleigh.

THEY have concerns about pensions, welfare cuts, public transport and the future of town centre shops. But with days still to go, this group of residents in Eastleigh were mostly tired of by-election fever.

From being blocked from entering their favourite cafe by a gaggle of campaigners, to being accosted on the street several times a day by prospective MPs, many in Eastleigh are counting down the hours to when the electioneering comes to an end.

The talk around the table at the Brendoncare Arts and Crafts Club, held at the Age Concern Centre in Romsey Street, focussed on the economic situation and public services.

But a key issue was whether or not people would even vote – and if they could trust those vying for their support.

One resident said: “Honestly, I don’t think I would vote for anybody – I can’t trust them.”

Brian O’Neill, 62, from High Street in Eastleigh, said he was looking for someone who would work as a constituency MP.

He said: “I think the best thing would be someone that actually represents the area.

“There’s only two parties interested in Eastleigh – the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.”

And many residents were just looking forward to when they could go about their business as usual, without having leaflets foisted upon them and being asked to listen to campaign speeches.

Pat Drake, 76, retired, from Fair Oak, said: “I have had phone calls, I have had people at the door. It’s been an irritation. If they left me alone to make up my own mind, rather than hassling me, I might just vote for them.”

n The Arts and Crafts Club takes place every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm.