Malcolm , a few years ago I stood as an Independent twice and came second twice, a story I have told before, Whilst canvassing in Hexham Avenue an old lady asked if I could help, her garage was next to to a cut to a field and kids were throwing their rubbish over the fence into a gap between the fence and her garage, she asked if the Council could clear it, I contacted the Council who told me it was a private property so they could not help.i told her this and offered to try to clear it myself but she said no, I asked if she would give me her vote, she said:”Eh, no son, my dad always voted Labour so I have to “ She was in her 80s ! !!