Voters will go to the polls in 13 wards across Hertsmere Borough Council on May 1, with six seats in Borehamwood, Aldenham and Shenley up for grabs. Reporter Joanna Fuertes-Knight asked people whether they will vote and what problems councillors could tackle

Paul Whitlock, 54, domestic worker, Borehamwood

"I'll be voting Liberal Democrats.

"The council should support local businesses more, the rates are just too high in shops and they're being forced to shut down.

"There should be a few more police as well."

Jennifer Reich, 18, student, Elstree

"I won't be voting, I don't know enough about the elections and they won't make any difference.

"There's nothing for teenagers to do in Borehamwood, at night the horrific amounts of police are intimidating.

"There's also a lot of derelict shops.

"The rates are too high so local people are being put out of jobs."

Isobelle Hatfield, 50, administrator, Borehamwood

"I've never not voted. I'm hopeful, yet also slightly sceptical.

"There are problems with disaffected youth, more money needs to go into youth and community centres, and there needs to be more in general to do.

"People aren't helping each other.

We need to start being more involved in the community, spending more time with the elderly, those with mental health problems and the disabled."

Summer Doleh, 48, carer, Borehamwood

"I vote Labour. It's sad nobody votes any more, people need representing.

"The traffic in the area is terrible - once you get stuck, you can't get anywhere, and the roadworks never seem to finish."

Daralino Shams-Molkara, 43, housekeeper, Borehamwood

"I don't believe in politicians, I'm wary of them.

"Crime is very high in Borehamwood, there's a lot of drink and drugs, and I wonder where the youth are buying it. They get bored and start taking drugs, drinking and vandalising. They're not willing to work or do something for themselves.

"There needs to be more respect for older people. There are pensioners who have worked all their life and are still working to get by."

John Rowland, 61, driver, Borehamwood

"I won't be voting. They promise you the earth and then don't deliver. The council doesn't support local people - people who have been working and living in the area all their life. I've been living here for over 50 years and I find the housing side very unfair.

"Also, as a driver, the road works need better planning, they shouldn't do them all at the same time."