THE Green Party's general election candidates say Labour's lengthy stranglehold on politics in St Helens has stifled debate and damaged the borough.

Elizabeth Ward and James Chan suggested the iron grip Labour politicians stifles growth and hinders improvements to the roads, transport and even bin collections.

Chan, 30, who is an A&E doctor, agreed: "People are very proud of St Helens but they feel it has been sidelined nationally and because it is such a safe seat people feel it's a done deal and always be Labour.

"That doesn't make a healthy democracy. I believe people in St Helens South have been disappointed with their MP (Shaun Woodward). He's been my MP as well and I echo that. He may be a busy man but people expect more from their MPs.

"But we email to everyone who contacts us and many people seem surprised because they tell us we are the only ones that do."

Elizabeth Ward, 23, who is from Dentons Green, agreed: "People don't want to be palmed off with the party line.We try to speak to people as people."

She added: "We have encountered Labour councillors who have told us 'you are in the wrong party and should join Labour', which is arrogant to the nth degree."

She also suggested that the Labour stranglehold is stifling improvement in services and growth which she noticed after moving back to St Helens from Reading.

As the political balance continually shifted from Labour to Conservatives, she said political leaders fought more for their policies. This she said resulted in a better road and transport system and bin collection. "Coming back to St Helens you can see five empty shop fronts in a row. That says to me that something has to change."