THE battlelines have been drawn as the General Election campaign got underway in Newton.

With two weeks to go before polling stations open on May 5, the Newton and Golborne Guardian takes a look at the parliamentary candidates going head to head in St Helens North, a Labour stronghold since 1945.

Dave Watts defends a 15,901 majority for Labour, first elected to the seat in 1997 he secured his constituency with a 61.1 per cent majority in 2001.

He is widely known as an active campaigner for the regeneration of the area's industry and traditional coalfield community.

Mr Watts said: "Concentrating on education, employment and healthcare are central. Improving attainment in Newton schools is a priority.

"Earlestown has high unemployment, so creating new jobs is a must, with Parkside integral to this.

"While current plans to transform Newton Hospital is Labour's way of providing first class health care in the community."

Liberal Democrat candidate John Beirne, has been a borough councillor for St Helens town centre ward for the past 15 years.

Owner of the Avanti Hair Salon, St Helens, this is the third time Clr Beirne has been a General Election candidate and he aims to capitalise on support gained in 2001.

He said: "I feel the mark of a decent society is one which creates opportunities for young people and provides dignity for those in their older years.

"That is why we are committed to abolishing student top-up and tuition fees and providing free long-term personal care for the elderly.

"The Liberal Democrats are the main opposition party on St Helens Council and we campaign on local issues that affect local people.

"My promise to the people of St Helens and Newton is to continue to work hard putting people before politics."

Newcomer Paul Oakley, a barrister from Forest Hill, London, is running for the Conservatives.

He counts council tax as one of the main issues he aims to tackle.

He said: "The majority of residents in this area are Band D which means they pay £1,200 - while receiving low incomes.

"But as part of my policy, I pledge to cut this bill for elderly residents with a maximum saving of £500.

"And the only way to push forward is to expand business by generating more professional jobs, not just increase employment rates."

Another hot topic for the Conservative candidate is tackling drug abuse on the streets.

Read next week's Newton & Golborne Guardian for more news on the area's parliamentary candidates.