GREEN Party candidates are looking to secure their first seats on Wyre Forest District Council in next month’s elections.

A total of nine members will be contesting wards on May 3 with building a sustainable and healthy district, along with protecting services and protected fields high on their agenda.

Their manifesto has set out a number of key policies including opposition to declining services and preventing development on Green Belt Land.

The party is pledging to encourage social housing and energy efficiency buildings, fund health, social care and youth services and promote reuse and recycling.

Improving pedestrian and road user safety, introducing speed limits to 20mph in residential areas and reorganising traffic flows while plating trees in high pollution areas are also included in their manifesto.

Other issues include providing cheap, frequent and reliable bus services, supporting local food production through allotments, farmers markets and producers and targeting litter and fly-tipping.

The Greens also want a return to the committee system on district council in place of the current cabinet one.

Doug Hine, candidate for Mitton Ward and Wyre Forest party spokesman said: “We want to work for a sustainable and healthy future for all our residents.

“The district is facing many challenges over the next few years, including continued austerity resulting in declining health, social care and youth services, the major homebuilding plans, pollution, loss of important natural habitat and impacts from climate change.

“We have ideas to address these. Just one or two Green councillors can make a big difference – look at Worcester City Council.”