THE polls open in the Lochs By-election tomorrow morning (Wednesday) at 7am and the five candidates have been stepping up their campaigns this week.

SNP candidate Lea McLellan said: "Tomorrow, voters in the Lochs ward have the opportunity to cast their ballots for a new councillor and I am sure that the four other candidates would join me in appealing to all eligible voters to get out and cast your votes.

"Over the last few months my team and I have spoken to thousands of local people and I have been heartened by the support that I have received in every community and also interested to hear all of your concerns and your ideas for our communities.

"Tomorrow you have the opportunity to elect a local champion – someone who will both stand up for our villages in Fife House and be proactive in supporting the work of local community councils, community groups and individuals.

"We need a local champion because with local councils being asked to do more and more with less and less we must ensure that the most vulnerable in society are not asked to shoulder the burden of austerity. We must ensure that local concerns for housing, for our schools, our social services, our community centre services, for our roads and transport links are the foremost priority of the Council not simply options for cuts and closure. Tomorrow by voting Lea McLelland – 1 you will endorse a strong, local voice for everyone in Benarty, Kelty and Kingseat".

Labour's Mary Lockhart said: "Thursday is Polling Day, and the last three weeks have been non-stop leafleting, door knocking, and listening to the people of the Lochs talking about the issues which concern them, and their hopes and fears for the future of our communities, and their families.

"There have been funny stories, sad stories, and stories which have made me furious. But the principal frustration which has emerged is that many people feel that politicians are all the same. And that none of them listens to anybody but their own Party colleagues and Council Officials once they are elected.

"If elected, I can’t promise to change the council, or to instantly solve all the problems, or fulfil all the expectations of the community. But there is one promise I make now, to all the people of the Lochs, which I know I can keep.

"I will set up new ways of meeting you, and of hearing your ideas and problems, and of consulting you about what I take forward on Fife Council in your name. Not just in public meetings, but in the streets and on the doorsteps, and if you will allow me, in your own homes. Politics begins at home!"