Voters set for Norwich City Council election

Samantha Barrs is concerned about anti-social behaviour in Mile Cross in Norwich

Voters in Norwich are preparing to head to the polls for the city council elections.

A third of seats are being contested across the city in the vote on Thursday, 2 May.

Labour lost overall control of the authority after four Labour of its councillors left the party last year to sit as Independents.

The results are expected to be announced the day after voting.

A third of seats at Norwich City Council are up for grabs in elections on May 2nd

One of the key battlegrounds will be the Mile Cross ward where six candidates are standing.

Labour is hoping to retain the seat previously won by the former Lord Mayor Vaughan Thomas, who is standing down.

The Greens, Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Reform UK and an Independent are also standing.

'Drug activity and gangs'

Samantha Barrs, 37, lives in Mile Cross with her two teenage daughters and says she would like to feel safer on the streets.

"I spot quite a bit of anti-social behaviour. Quite a lot of drug activities and gangs," she said.

"As a mum of girls, I want them to feel safe on the streets and sometimes I walk round not feeling safe as an adult, so I can't imagine how they feel."

Labour currently has 19 seats on the council while the Greens have 13, the Liberal Democrats have three councillors and there are four Independents.

Neither the Conservatives or Reform UK currently hold any seats.

It means the council is still run by Labour, but as a minority administration. If Labour gains one seat, it can take back outright control.

Taylor Lowe, 29, would like to see more affordable housing in Wensum ward

In Wensum ward, the Greens, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and Conservatives are hoping to take the seat from Labour's Martin Peek.

Taylor Lowe, 29, who lives and votes there, said affordable housing is a big problem.

"There's always houses going up, but not for local people," he said. "People can't afford them, especially if you're in the private sector."

'Children going to school hungry'

In Town Close ward, Labour is looking to regain the seat which is currently held by Independent councillor Ian Stutely.

He was one of four Labour councillors who left the party in November.

The Conservatives and Lib Dems are also standing in the ward.

Town Close resident Maddy Mirza, 41, is hoping for more money for schools

Town Close resident Maddy Mirza, 41, said: "I've read a couple of interesting articles about putting money into the school systems here and especially children going to school hungry.

"Maybe there could be some more schemes around that."

Election details

The council website has a full list of candidates.

Polling stations are open 07:00-22:00 BST on Thursday.

The election for Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner is also being held on the same day.

A couple of by-elections for other councils are also being held:

• South Norfolk Council - Bunwell ward

• Wymondham Town Council - North ward

The results from these counts are also expected on 3 May.

Some residents are also being asked to vote in their Neighbourhood Planning referenda.

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