With residents heading to the polls next month, Local Democracy Reporter Katie May Nelson has been speaking to some of the candidates.

It promises to be a keenly-fought contest, with all seats on Medway Council up for grabs on May 4. Here, she speaks to the Green Party, who have put forward 25 candidates.

In 2019's election, the Green Party didn't win any seats on the council but increased their vote share by almost 3%.

This year, they'll be hoping to increase that and hopefully get one or two of the 59 seats up for grabs.

Cuxton, Halling and Riverside

Matt Nightingale spends most of his time in the great outdoors working as a gardener in and around the ward.

He also volunteers with the Cuxton Countryside Group and is the secretary of the local allotment association.

'...everyone is just kind of sick to death of being stuck in traffic, constant roadworks, and more properties popping up'

The Cuxton resident said he's had a brilliant reception talking to people on litter picks.

He said: "I think the biggest problem from my point of view is we have the A8228 running through the ward, and it is the bane of everyone's lives.

"Obviously, it existed before a lot of people moved here, but it's just been getting progressively worse.

"More developments are going on and everyone is just kind of sick to death of being stuck in traffic, constant roadworks, and more properties popping up.

"Plots are being bought up and it's just almost endless."

Twydall

Mother-of-two Kate Belmonte set up a service during lockdown which helped people across Medway with everyday things such as collecting shopping or combating loneliness by talking to people on the phone.

She got involved with the Green Party during the last election in 2019.

She said: "I just wanted to make it a bit better for my boys and other people who have the same challenges I have got with my disability.

"We are not saying we have got all the answers, but we are looking to get one or two seats in May and we will work with anyone.

"I need to see Twydall being protected; on Sturry Way, the council have built council properties which are desperately needed; we don't need any houses except council houses.

"However, I am worried that has set a precedent for the other green spaces in Twydall."

Hoo St Werburgh and High Halstow

Julian Sutton has a background in management for large building projects and now works as an expert witness in construction disputes, as well as running his own family business.

The father-of-one believes Medway needs people who will think outside the box.

He said: "I see it in other councils and how they do it; they have got the leadership and inspiration for change. I think we are missing out on a lack of vision.

"We should be saying, 'What do we want Medway to look like in 20 year's time?'

"I have seen the way the Peninsula has changed, and not for the better.

"I think it's a real gem and a jewel that needs protecting."

Gillingham North

At just 22-years-old, Jeremy Spyby-Steanson is hoping he can bring a fresh perspective to the council if he is elected.

He works for a company which looks at emerging technologies.

Jeremy said: "People have been really interested to hear what the Green Party has to say about how we would help the community.

"In Gillingham North we have seen more development of private properties, however, the properties aren't necessarily affordable for the next generation.

"I would like to see more social housing in Gillingham; we have got people on the waiting lists.

"We have got a lot of green spaces which need protecting in Gillingham although they are hidden amongst the houses.

"People need places to go to relax and connect with nature in some way."

For more information about voting and to see a full list of candidates for you area click here.

Polls will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, May 4.