THE local elections are now under a week away, so to help you make sure you make the right decision, the Grimsby Telegraph has caught up with all the candidates from each ward. As well as finding out what they plan to do, our local government reporter PETER CRAIG has also been quizzing them on their interests. Today, we take a closer look at the candidates standing in the Yarborough Ward. Profiles for all candidates in all local wards will be featured each day in the run-up to the election on May 6.

Steve Fyfe

Party: British National party

Birthplace: Grimsby

Age: 35

Home: Grimsby

Married/partner: In relationship

Children: None

Favourite TV programme: 24

Favourite film: Heat

Favourite record: Vivaldi, Four Seasons.

Favourite food: Chinese

Favourite drink: Black Sheep Ale

How I will improve my ward: Of recent, persons living in my ward have brought to my attention the increasing poor state of the area's roads and pavements. As I live within the Yarborough ward, I shall make it a priority to be in a position where the constituents of my ward find me easy to approach regarding issues such as these, as and when they arise. I would also like to see a reduction in the appalling vandalism we have seen on the bridge over the River Freshney in recent times and will work closely with the police and local community to achieve this.

Michael Taylor

Party: Labour

Birthplace: Mexborough

Age: 64

Home: Cherry Tree Crescent, Grimsby

Married/partner: Married to Pam for 39 years.

Children: Three sons

Favourite TV programme: The Bill

Favourite film: Shawshank Redemption

Favourite record: The Beatles, Hey Jude.

Favourite food: Fish

Favourite drink: Tea

How I will improve my ward: I will improve Yarborough ward by being a councillor that is visible and easy to contact. I live just five minutes from any part of the ward. In those five minutes I will travel below existing speed limits, something that some drivers on our estates find very difficult to observe. I will press for a review of speed limits and speeding on our estates. I will also maintain the pressure for repair of our roads and pavements. It is important that these are quickly and effectively repaired. It will prevent accidents and in the long run save money.

Kath Norton

Party: Conservative

Birthplace: Grimsby

Age: 60

Home: Yarborough Road, Grimsby

Married: Married to Steve for 35 years

Children: One married daughter

Favourite TV programme: Good Drama

Favourite Film: Dirty Dancing

Favourite Music: Motown

Favourite Food: Roast Lamb

Favourite Drink: Wine

How I will improve my ward: Having lived in the ward for 24 years and recently retired, I am well aware of those areas of concern that have suffered from a lack of attention; dog fouled streets, poor maintenance of roads and footpaths, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour are topics high on the agenda for Yarborough Ward residents. If elected, I will work with established agencies and partners and become involved in community groups, and hold regular surgeries. I simply ask that I be given the chance to help bring about much needed change on behalf of residents.

Annie Darby OBE

Party: Liberal Democrat

Birthplace: Birmingham, but lived in Grimsby for 20 years

Age: 51

Home: Scartho, Grimsby

Married/partner: Married

Children: None, but have a beautiful dog called Hannah.

Favourite Programme: The original Star Trek

Favourite Film: Inherit the Wind with Spencer Tracy

Favourite Record: Anything by Simple Minds, Snow Patrol or Oasis

Favourite Food: Chicken Balti

Favourite Drink: Rioja

How I will improve my ward: I want to see services for both older and young people continue to improve, but most of all I want to see local services that are accountable and responsive to local people. Caring and supportive communities will build a resilient ward which then has a positive effect on the town as a whole.This is what I want to support in Yarborough Ward.

Jim Tattersdale

Party: Independent

Birthplace: Morley

Age: 74

Home: Bradley Road, Grimsby

Married/partner: Recently widowed.

Children: Two boys and two girls

Favourite TV programme: Wildlife and current affairs.

Favourite film: All Quiet on the Western Front.

Favourite record: 1812 Overture

Favourite food: Full English, Yorkshire pudding and roast beef.

Favourite drink: English real ale.

How I will improve my ward: To be responsive to individuals and groups from anytime from morning to late evening on any day of the weeknight. To listen to the main points of concern and outline methods of action. To keep in touch with constituents and outline progress being taken. Wherever possible to be accompanied by a member of the concerned group. Some years ago I gained Tenants Choice Housing Improvements following individuals and groups lobbying. To improve their ward a councillor must always be available to get the individual or group taking some responsibility in achieving a result. That is how to improve my ward. It is practical democracy.

James Cairns

Party: UKIP

Birthplace: Wallasey, Wirral

Age: 63

Home: Laceby Road, Grimsby

Married/partner: Married

Children: Two

Favourite TV programme: The Detectives.

Favourite film: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Favourite record: Cars by Gary Newman

Favourite food: Pasta.

Favourite drink: Wine.

How I will improve my ward: My priority is to put more policemen back on the beat and getting to grips with crime. The residents are fed up with petty thefts, damage to property and drunken behaviour. I will clean up the streets and curb dog fouling with more fines and curb fly-tipping, which gets up my nose, by putting up fences on waste ground and increase patrols by council staff. School children could take part in community projects to improve the appearance of the ward.