As the all-out elections in Walsall approach, residents in Bloxwich have expressed frustration over a lack of engagement from candidates, with many feeling they have no clear choice. Polling stations will open on May 7 from 7am to 10pm.
Election forecasts suggest a potential Reform UK takeover at Walsall Council, but interviews with people on Bloxwich high street reveal widespread uncertainty. The Local Democracy Reporting Service found that not a single resident approached had been canvassed by a candidate in recent weeks.
Residents speak out
Kevin Ellis, 66, from Pelsall, described the situation as a nightmare. "I don't know who to vote for because they're all rubbish," he said. "Reform is too extreme. If they get into the local council, it's going to be horrendous. Their ideas are just mad." He criticised the lack of planning on housing and urged action on roads and the cost of living.
Nat Jones, 40, from Short Heath, said he had not seen any candidates on social media or at community events. "I don't know who any of my candidates are. They should have introduced themselves on Facebook or by door knocking," he said. Jones criticised the Conservative-run council for spending money poorly and noted that Walsall lags behind other towns economically.
Anthony Wood, 64, from Bloxwich, called council tax increases "ridiculous" and said the area is run down. "I don't think voting for anyone will change it," he said. "Nobody knocked on my door; they're all too embarrassed." He highlighted the council's £12 million annual interest payments as a waste of money.
Courtney Baugh, 27, also from Bloxwich, said she did not know the candidates' names and had only received a leaflet about nursery hours. "They need to do better at putting themselves out there," she said.
Jayne Watson, 64, said she would vote Conservative because they were the only party to deliver a leaflet on local issues. "I'm basing my voting on what they're going to do for me locally," she said, praising improvements to King George V Playing Fields.
Election details
On May 7, voters will elect three candidates for their local ward. Some ward boundaries and polling stations have changed after a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission. Residents are urged to check their polling card carefully. The full list of candidates is available on the council's website.
