What matters most in a low-turnout town?

Wisbech West recorded turnout below 25% in the 2021 county council elections

Known as the capital of the Fens, Wisbech is a stronghold for the Conservative Party. But its residents have also been the most reluctant to vote, being home to one of two Cambridgeshire wards where turnout was less than 25% in the last county council elections. So, what is on the minds of those who live there?

On Thursday 1 May, voters will decide who fills 61 seats on Cambridgeshire County Council, including two councillors to represent Wisbech. Those elected will take on responsibility for things like education, highways and social care.

Wisbech currently has two Conservatives on the council, which has been led by a Liberal Democrat, Labour and Independent coalition since 2021. In Wisbech West, just 24.18% of voters turned out compared with 39.1% across the county.

Four years on, residents tell us their views and what changes they would like to see in their town.

Incinerator anxiety

Simona Cismasu lives near the site of the planned Wisbech incinerator

Simona Cismasu, 34, has lived in Wisbech for a decade and says she has "lots of concerns".

"Antisocial behaviour in town means I avoid going there," she says.

"Potholes are everywhere - I had to change my tyre the other week because I hit one."

Miss Cismasu says her main worry is plans for an energy-to-waste incinerator in the town.

"My house is just there," she says.

"Like everyone else, I don't think it's healthy."

She believes people will only vote if councillors "do something" and listen to local people's concerns.

"If not, of course no one will turn out, because they know no one is listening."

'We're an ignored area'

Anita Grodkiewicz runs a community hub in Wisbech

Anita Grodkiewicz, 66, manages the Rosmini community centre that hosts groups, runs a food bank and provides support to people including Wisbech's migrant community.

She says "a lot of people have just given up" participating in politics.

She thinks most county councillors are too far removed from Wisbech and the Fens.

"I think councillors living in more affluent areas would struggle to understand the issues and problems here," she says.

"We're sort of very much an ignored area."

'It could be a lot safer'

New mum Ellie says pavement potholes need fixing

"I don't think it's safe, it could be a lot safer," says 23-year-old Ellie, who has lived in Wisbech for two years.

Ellie says she struggles to take her baby boy out in his pushchair, saying that bins, parked cars and potholes make it difficult to get around.

"You have to kind of go on the road which isn't safe and it's busy."

When asked if councillors could make a difference, Ellie says: "I think they could do a little bit more, yes."

'Difficult to go on footpaths'

Wendy, a carer, also has concerns about the state of pavements

Pavement potholes are the number one issue for Wendy, a carer, whose husband uses a mobility aid.

"It's so difficult to go along our footpaths now – the state of the ground is such that his wheels get stuck sometimes.

"The road was done a few weeks ago but they didn't do the footpath."

'There's no facilities'

Jason Bibby says there should be more play spaces for young children

Jason Bibby, 43, lives in the nearby village of Elm, saying he was "priced out" of living in Wisbech.

A full-time dad, Mr Bibby says he feels "very isolated" as a new parent because there are not any parks a walking distance away.

"The school is close but there's no facilities, really," he says.

He would ask any would-be councillors for "good hard reasons of why I should vote for you", adding: "I need to know what your government is going to do for my little boy, my partner, and me."

'Shops need to be filled'

Stuart Prochnow says Wisbech town centre needs regenerating

Stuart Prochnow, 80, remembers Wisbech in the late '60s with a thriving town centre and independent shops.

Now, he says, it has "gone downhill", and Mr Prochnow wants to see more investment in the High Street.

"Empty shops need to be filled and the ones which are disused brought back into use."

He says councillors are "very good" at making promises, but "everything seem[s] to go quiet" after election time.

'This country needs a good shake-up'

Rachel Green believes councillors have not canvassed in the town centre

Rachel Green runs Fenland Family and Baby Bank - a charity based in the town centre that sells low-cost items and offers parents a social space.

She says more young families are seeking their help - especially parents feeling lonely and isolated.

"A new baby is lovely, but you're there probably 18 hours a day on your own," she says.

Ms Green says she would like to see campaigners taking more of an interest.

"We're in the middle of town and we never have any candidates coming here and speaking to us.

"Me personally, I don't do politics, but this country needs a good shake-up."

Who is running?

The candidates in Wisbech West are:

• George Broughton, Labour

• Bob Ensch, Green Party

• George Harwin, Reform UK

• Chang Liu, Liberal Democrats

• Steve Tierney, Conservatives

The candidates in Wisbech East are:

• Nick Brooks, Reform UK

• Toby Robert Ensch, Green Party

• Samantha Hoy, Conservatives

• Joshua Lee, Liberal Democrats

• Didem Ucuncu, Labour

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