THE war of political words got under way this week, in the countdown to the General Election on May 5.

With only seven days to go before voting D-day, the parliamentary candidates for Lowton and Golborne told the Newton and Golborne Guardian about the issues that are pivotal to their campaigns.

Front-runner Andy Burnham hopes to secure a Labour win, after his landslide victory in 2001 with a majority of 64.5 per cent.

Despite his busy election campaign, Mr Burnham took time away from politics on Monday for the birth of his third child, Anne Marie, at Warrington Hospital.

The MP sent out a double-edged message, focused on investing in community facilities, particularly the creation of Golborne Health Centre and a new school for Golborne Junior and Infants.

And zero tolerance towards anti-social behaviour was also a high priority.

Mr Burnham, who hopes to retain his seat for a third term, said: "Regeneration in Golborne is central to my policy. I intend to support community services, particularly the new health centre and the building of the new Golborne Junior and Infants School in 2006.

"Education is the cornerstone of my policy, raising aspirations for young people."

Liberal Democrat candidate, David Crowther, hopes to oust the opposition.

He stood for the Makerfield seat four years ago, gaining 11.4 per cent of votes.

Mr Crowther, of Hotel Street, Newton, said: "Transport, safety and lowering council tax.

"I am committed to expanding special bus links with Wigan and Manchester, with will encourage more businesses to come to Golborne. Improving safety on the streets is key and by doing away with ID cards, this borough could get 550 more police officers with taxpayers money.

"People want their money to be spent effectively and fairly and that's what we will do."

Other candidates battling for the seat are Conservative Laurence Wedderburn, Ian Franzen for the Community Action Party and Thomas Hampson, who is representing Legalise Cannabis Alliance.

They were unavailable for comment as the Guardian went to press.