TWO PROSPECTIVE candidates have been hitting a Hampshire high street ahead of the general election.

Sandra James for the UKIP party and Ian Callaghan for the Green party were both out in force talking to potential constituents in Romsey.

The pair are both rallying for a seat in parliament for the town and Southampton North.

It was a family affair for Sandra as her sister Diane James, a UKIP MEP for the south was manning the stall chatting to shoppers.

Sandra said: “I want to see more Southampton women in the House of Commons making a difference. For me it's got to be about changing things for the local people in this area and really give them all a democratic right to vote. Smaller businesses are feeling very frustrated, they face many restrictions and we need to tackle the youth unemployment rates, improve and sustain them.

“We should be friendly with Europe but not controlled by the EU and I would like to help Southampton hospitals, here the average waiting time for a general check-up with a GP is six weeks, there are fundamental issues that the NHS suffer from in the current government.”

Ian Callaghan was also in the market place with campaigners showing an eco-friendly approach by cycling around with posters.

Daily Echo:

Green candidate Ian Callaghan, second right, with supporters in Romsey

He said: “There are quite big differences with issues in Romsey and Southampton North, the urban areas have problems with unemployment, benefit cuts and education but here it is more about public transport with more bus services being cut, businesses are under more and more pressure.

"I agree that the doctors and hospitals are struggling and I have also had personal experience through family with mental health services which I would like to support more if I am elected.”