Lauren Westwood

By Lauren Westwood lauren

The people of Lincoln are summoned to go to the polls on May 5. Candidates promise many things, but what are the biggest problems facing Lincoln?

We asked which issues should be tackled next, regardless of who wins in the local elections on Thursday.

Mark Reynolds

Mark Reynolds (49) Hykeham, Train driver for East Midlands Trains

“The roads aren’t very good after the winter we’ve just had. As for the council, obviously they’ve had big cutbacks because of the government’s response to the monetary situation, which in my opinion is too much. It’s destroying the city, destroying the community.

“I think Lincoln needs to look at how it deals with its tourism. I think it could promote it better. We’ve got a lot to offer.”

Imogen Bell

Imogen Bell (26) Lincoln

“The transport between Lincoln and other places, it’s a total nightmare. There are no buses to Cherry Willingham, for example, on a bank holiday or a Sunday. It’s a real pain. And anti-social behaviour too, drinking in the streets.”

Naledi Withers

Naledi Withers (19) Lincoln, Gap year student

“I think that they could market [Lincoln], especially uphill, a bit better. I’m a tourist guide at the castle at the moment and they could really boost that I think. It would bring many more people to the area.

“When it’s sunny like this everyone just heads to the coast, but we’ve got so much here. With plenty of ice creams stores along the way, I’ve noticed.”

Erol Palsay

Erol Palsay (69) Lincoln, Retired

“I think Lincoln’s fantastic. I first settled here in 1975 and I’ve lived here ever since. I have no desire to move. It’s fine. [No issues] not in Lincoln, no. Maybe pensions. But I love Lincoln, no problems with anything.”

Kim Cade

Kim Cade (48) Bracebridge Heath, Sales Assistant

“Definitely the traffic situation, it’s getting worse. As soon as you have one road closed it just causes congestion everywhere. Public transport has gone downhill. They’ve cut a lot of buses out. It’s ridiculous.”

Lauren has recently graduated from Loughborough University with a Masters in Creative Writing. She enjoys film, literature and kickboxing.

By Lauren Westwood lauren

Wills and Kate are making it official this weekend and the nation has been invited to join from the comfort of the collective living room.

But what will the people of Lincoln be doing on Friday the 29th April? Is the Royal Wedding must-see-TV, an excuse to party, or just another day off?

Susan Williams

Susan Williams (65) Bracebridge Heath, Retired Nurse

“I think it’s wonderful, I really love it. I’m making a buffet, and there’ll be a little bit of alcohol for later on. I’ll be up at 8 o’clock, BBC, glued to the TV. I think it’s a lovely day and I’m really looking forward to it. My niece in Canada is getting up at four in the morning to watch it. Without the Royal Family we wouldn’t be what we are today.”

Trevor Gibbs

Trevor Gibbs (31) Lincoln, Wedding Photographer

“Absolutely [no plans] at all, because it’s a farce. The whole idea of monarchy in this day and age, in this current climate, it doesn’t work. It’s all too traditional. Why do we need to have a royal wedding? Why do we need to make such a big deal about it?

“I’m not really bothered. I just think the whole thing’s a bit of a joke. I haven’t got a day off, I’m self-employed. They’re trying to have a public holiday, but some people get a day off, some don’t.”

Sinclair Ashman

Sinclair Ashman (49), Graphic Designer

“I wish them well but it’s not really something that I’m that interested in. I hope they have a good day but no more than that really. I may be doing something completely different, or working as I work from home. We might go out for the day, who knows. I’m not really a royalist, I’m more of a parliamentarian myself, but I do wish them well.”

Lynn Hancock

Lynn Hancock (49), Housewife

“I think it’s fabulous and I’m really looking forward to it. We’re going to be watching it. In the evening we’re going to a party. You’ve got to wear floral dresses and tiaras or red, white and blue. There are about thirty people going.

“I think that Kate and William especially, they’re very much thought of in this country, very cherished. I think that people are behind them.”

Louis Coe

Louis Coe (17) Lincoln, Student

“I’ll probably be in bed, isn’t it starting at like half seven in the morning? I think it’s a bit overrated. Why can’t they have a normal wedding like everyone else?”

Lauren has recently graduated from Loughborough University with a Masters in Creative Writing. She enjoys film, literature and kickboxing.