VOTERS in Dudley will be heading for the polls later this month for a by-election.

Three candidates will be hitting the campaign trail in their bid to represent St James's ward.

The seat has been vacant since the death of Labour councillor Mary Roberts in November last year.

Cathryn Bayton, who will be hoping to retain the seat for Labour on February 25, said: "I pledge to continue the good work of Mary and build on her many achievements in the area.

"I was employed by Dudley Council for 27 years in children's services and am passionate about ensuring our young people get the best possible opportunities for life.

"But I also understand the wider pressures the council faces over the coming years with continued cuts from central government, and how these impact locally.

"If elected I will work tirelessly to ensure that the residents in St James have a say on how their services are delivered and support them to continue creating a community they are proud to be a part of."

Father-of-two Graeme Lloyd is UKIP's candidate and said he entered politics "due to feeling a growing sense of disconnect with the ‘traditional’ parties".

He continued: "I think many people within St James’s ward also feel the same way as their support for UKIP has been consistently strong during the last few years - we’ve constantly pushed the Tories into third place during elections, and the 2014 local elections saw us just miss out to Labour.

"Many people in the ward, and indeed Dudley, now see UKIP as the real opposition.

"Being a democratic, libertarian party, our focus is on the will and wishes of the people of Dudley. Our councillors are normal everyday people who care passionately about their local communities and have been working hard to represent them within the council.

"If I’m elected, I will follow suit, listening to the wishes of the people of St James’s, striving for tangible improvements that they want to see, while representing them in council."

Conservative candidate Wayne Sullivan lives in Russells Hall and previously ran several pubs in the area.

He said it will be "a tough and close contest" but added: "With Labour wanting to impose a 16 per cent council tax increase on local residents four days after the voting takes place then the voters have a real reason for turning out.

"If I'm elected I will vote against the council tax increase."

Poll cards are currently being delivered to thousands of homes, providing information on the nearest polling stations and how to vote.

Ward residents have until Tuesday (February 9) to register to vote, which can be done online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 01384 814740.