BITTERNE residents are sharing their views ahead of the by-election for the ward.
A by-election for the Southampton ward was announced last month following the death of Tory councillor, Terry Streets at the end of August.
The poll for a new councillor will be held on 1 December 2022.
Residents have shared their views on changes they want to see including issues of housing, schools, and healthcare.
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Bitterne Local, Dee Strutt said that residents in the area have been "living through one crisis to another".
The 36-year-old mum of six said: "I live in Thornhill and for nine years I waited for accessible council housing since my kids and I have disabilities.
"During that time we lived three floors up and had to make do. I think the only reason I got accessible housing, in the end, was because I kept asking.
"For a lot of people, they won't keep asking and just suffer in silence.
"It's not just housing it's about transport. Being able to get the bus to the hospital or work easily and schools too.
"Families not being able to afford a packed lunch for their kids and schools not being able to afford heating.
"I want our views to be heard and for changes to be made. A lot of people don't think they will make a difference but I think this by-election will."
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Tina Mitchell, 45, said that she hopes for a return of the walk-in centre and police station.
She said: "There are day drinkers that sit in Bitterne High Street all day and shout at people. They have been an issue since the police station closed.
"Even with the new police office in the centre there are no police.
"I would also want the walk-in centre to come back. There is no place for people to go in an accident on this side of the river.
"It's either the general or Royal South Hants. They are overwhelmed and the walk-in centre used to help."
Socialist Party member Mike Marx, 59, set up a community meeting at Bitterne United Reformed Church on Saturday to discuss local issues with residents.
He said: "It's pretty clear what the big issues are here. When the walk-in centre closed down we campaigned for it but it still closed.
"People around here know that there are problems they tell us what's wrong but they feel like nothing can be done.
"I want people to come out and vote and be aware there is a by-election so they can make a difference."
The candidates for the Bitterne ward by-election include:
- Callum Daniel John Ford - Conservative and Unionist Party
- Yvonne Carole Frampton - Labour Party
- Nick McGeorge - Liberal Democrats
- Ron Meldrum - Green Party
- Mabel Wellman - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
For information about registering to vote and where to find a polling station visit Southampton City Council's guide to voting page.
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