BUCKS Free Press has been out canvassing with the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and British National Party ahead of the June 4 council elections for Buckinghamshire County Council.

Conservatives:

Conservative leader David Shakespeare says council tax and potholes are the main talking points on the doorstep as we make our way around the large detached homes of Wheeler Avenue, Tylers Green.

A teenager answers the door at our first point of call and informs Cllr Shakespeare his family will be voting blue.

There is no such luck though with video producer Paul Welsh, 47.

“I am a socialist with a small s. I disagree with what the Tories have done in the past,” says Labour-voter Paul.

A 45-year-old housewife, who asked not to be named, pledges to vote Conservative.

“The current Government have made a right mess of many things. It is time for change,” she says.

Yet one 60-year-old resident, a lifelong businessman and now unemployed, plumps for “none of the above”.

He says: “I couldn’t bring myself to vote. The whole thing stinks. I have had it with politics.”

Liberal Democrats:

GET rid of Labour” says the Ice Cream man, with colourful language added, as he passes Chesham North West Liberal Democrat candidate Michael Brand in Cowper Road.

Mr Brand – whose priorities include better roads and youth facilities – lost to the Tories by 30 votes last time.

“Expenses is an issue,” he says. “They are very annoyed – and quite rightly.”

“I will support you, don’t worry. I’ll keep my finger crossed for you,” says Mohammed Shabab, which Mr Brand says is symbolic of Asian support for the party.

Adrienne Eames, 57, says: “I haven’t made my mind up. I’ll look and see what there is.”

“Who’s going to put my pension up?” says Janet MacDonnell, 71, with a laugh.

She says she votes Labour at the General Election and is worried about council tax.

“Put me down as a maybe,” she says.

Barbara Jeffries, 37, says: “It would be nice to have more things for the teenagers.”

British National Party:

It was a different reaction for another of the candidates.

“We are not voting for you – you are racist” shouts the mum of mixed-race children at British National Party candidate Matthew Tait, 23.

Within five minutes well spoken Mr Tait has cooled things down. “The media try and make us look bad at every opportunity,” he says.

“I can see you are not racist, but I still won’t vote for you,” she says after hearing him out.

Other residents in and around Boundary Road, Wooburn, where Mr Tait is a candidate, give a more mixed reaction on his call for withdrawal from Europe and a ban on new immigration.

“No, not interested, thanks,” says the first, who promptly closes the door.

“I have always voted Conservative but don’t trust any of them,” says another.

“Maybe, maybe not” says one man in his 30s. “I’ve always voted UKIP”.

“The racism is a little bit out of order,” says a 57-year-old lady gently.

“After what you just said, I’ll look into it,” she says later, taking a leaflet.

UK Independence Party organisers were not able to put forward a candidate in time.

The Labour Party declined to take part. Spokesman Ian Bates said: “The Labour Party is respectful of the Data Protection Act and our obligations to keep information confidential.”