AN ‘Army’ of volunteers are hoping to propel UKIP to its first council ward victory.

James Ashington is standing for the UK Independence Party in the Poulton North by-election next Thursday, July 28, and has been out campaiging in the area along with 10 party members from across the region, including MEP Paul Nuttall.

He said: “We have an Army out there and we have had nothing but positive comments. People want a change.”

Mr Ashington, who has taught numeracy at Lysander High School, says he would be happy with 10 per cent of the vote but would not be satisfied unless he wins.

“There are many things I would like to improve.

“Lots of shops in the area are boarded up and the roads need improving.

“But we cannot do that when we are spending £67,000 a day in Europe.

“We are not an anti European party but we are anti European Union,” he said.

It is the first time UKIP has stood in Poulton North and they party faces competition from Mark Chapman (CON), Colin Oliver (LD) and Ashley Pemberton (LAB).