Stark election issues at stake for Medway's voters

Local artist Sophie says people in Medway are struggling

With less than two weeks to go before polling day on 4 July, voters in Medway have been explaining what matters most to them in the general election.

Tucked away in an alley off a bustling high street in Chatham is an oasis and a sanctuary. Follow a path lined with tropical plants and you will find the Nucleus Arts Centre.

It is here the community comes together, whether for a coffee in the café, a carers’ support group, or artists in the dozens of tiny studios available to rent.

Local painter Sophie, who spends much of her day here creating bright and vivid paintings of wildlife and nature, offers a hefty dose of realism: “It’s just very difficult at the moment -the cost of living is so high and people are just struggling.”

While her work is joyful, she recognises a sense of "depression" as well

"I think that’s the worst thing really. It’s a bad feeling," she said. “A lot of people have almost given up on politicians.”

Carol Smith worries about the lack of medical facilities in the area

Around the corner, Carol Smith was glazing pottery. She agreed times are tough, and it is not just the cost of living.

“We’re having a lot of new building in Medway, but there’s not a lot of new doctors, dentists, things that go with more people living here.”

Everyone is worrying, she told me.

While Medway is said to have some of the most deprived wards in the UK, it is also a cultural hub, with a carnival, an annual Pride event and a diverse range of arts, filmmaking and music on offer.

David Stokes, chief executive of the Halpern Charitable Foundation, which runs the Nucleus Arts Centre, said groups like theirs can make a huge difference to wellbeing.

He is calling on the next government to prioritise funding for arts and services to help support the local community.

Dr Stokes said: “By building community it overcomes those problems.

"If you look at deprivation across the world, some of the most deprived countries are some of the happiest countries because the community works. That’s where you feel secure… it’s being part of something else.”

David Stokes wants an incoming administration to prioritise arts spending

The high street reflects the impact that the cost of living crisis is having.

Dalip Singh, who has run a shop in Chatham for 20 years, said has business has struggled as people have less spare cash to spend.

“Obviously the government’s trying to do a job”, he said. “No one asked for Covid, no one asked for a war, no one asked for gas prices to go up, but they have.

"No matter what government we have, the problems are going to be there.”

Dalip Singh tells Charlotte Wright he does not blame the government for the current financial situation

Much like the different towns that make up Medway, the challenges the area faces are diverse.

Mother-of-five Rebecca Leek moved to Strood from Gillingham after her son was stabbed in broad daylight in a park last year.

He survived and is doing well now, but for Rebecca tougher sentences for those caught carrying knives is a priority.

She said: “I just think there should be a better punishment for them; not just a slap on the wrist and go on your merry way.”

Rebecca Leek is concerned about knife crime after her son was stabbed

While times are clearly tough for many, there is plenty of community spirit in Medway.

In Rainham, we found a micro pub full of residents who were enjoying a beer on a Friday after work.

Getting on the housing ladder, potholes and lack of money for public services dominated the conversation when we asked them about the upcoming election.

Chris Jenner told us he would be happy to pay higher taxes to fund these things: “If I have to pay more tax but the service I get - and everybody gets - is better, what’s the problem with that?”

Asked about the impact of that for those struggling with the cost of living, he said: “If you want services - the NHS, rubbish collected, the roads to be a good condition - you have to pay for it.”

Chris Jenner: 'If you want services...you have to pay for it'

At another table, German national Martin Kühn, who has lived in Medway for 34 years, said his main concern is Brexit, a topic largely avoided by all the main political parties this year.

“It’s unfortunate that Labour doesn’t make this an issue because it has damaged this country hugely,” he said.

His wife, Erika Kulig, had a stark message for politicians: “When we first came here it was a really thriving area. Now we haven’t got SureStart anymore.

"I used to be a midwife and you can see on the ground level how poor people are.

“So I would say to the politicians, 'Wake up, give the people what they need'.

"They need support sympathy and a bit more money in their pockets as well.”

Erika, on the left, and Martin are concerned about the impact of Brexit

A full list of candidates in the three Medway seats can be found here.