'The housing crisis really resonates with me'

Isla Staveley said she is "really keen" to vote in a general election for the first time

On a grey, cloudy market day in Ely, Cambridgeshire, the city centre was busy with traders and shoppers.

On 4 July the country will go to the polls to vote in the next general election. In Ely the BBC spoke to people to ask what issues they wanted to see addressed.

Isla Staveley, 22, a florist and sewing lecturer, said: "My vote would definitely go for the party that would sort the housing crisis out and help the NHS with its funding."

She said more schemes to help first-time buyers, especially those who are on their own, would help.

"The housing crisis really resonates with me because I'm still living with parents and I don't particularly see myself being able to move out until I'm twice my age," she said.

Despite having four different jobs - including wedding dress altering and a position at a local supermarket - Isla said her income was "barely covering bills".

Ms Staveley was too young to vote in the last general election in 2019. "I'm really keen to vote and make my voice heard in this one," she said.

'More NHS appointments'

Ely market trader Justyna Vail said she is struggling with electricity and gas bills

Justyna Vail, 42, an Ely market trader who sells Polish food, said that healthcare was also an important issue for her.

"[On the] NHS, I'd like something to be changed. More appointments, or helping people," she said.

Ms Vail said she had suffered from chronic foot pain for three years and had struggled to find the right treatment.

"I didn't get very good help for my feet," she said.

She also raised concerns over the number of potholes in the local area.

"Every time I come in [to Ely] in my nice, little car I think it's broken if I go in a hole," she said.

"I can damage my car and no-one would give me money back for this, and it's dangerous."

She also spoke of the cost-of-living crisis, and how expensive she finds her electricity and gas bills.

'Potholes everywhere'

Andrew Sizer said the NHS should be a number one priority

Andrew Sizer, 66, is a part-time market trader in Ely.

"My number one priority is the NHS - [to] get that sorted out," he said.

"Get the roads sorted as well. Where I live, it's just potholes everywhere."

Mr Sizer said he was also concerned about immigration. He said that he had previously always voted Conservative, but added, "this time I'm on the fence".