VOTERS will go to the polls next Thursday as three candidates go head-to-head in the borough council by-election for Bradwell South and Hopton. And it looks set to be an interesting battle with former Labour leader Trevor Wainwright hoping to make his return to the borough council while the Tories are aiming for victory with candidate Mike Butcher - local businessman and chairman of Hopton Parish Council.

VOTERS will go to the polls next Thursday as three candidates go head-to-head in the borough council by-election for Bradwell South and Hopton.

And it looks set to be an interesting battle with former Labour leader Trevor Wainwright hoping to make his return to the borough council while the Tories are aiming for victory with candidate Mike Butcher - local businessman and chairman of Hopton Parish Council. Hopton man Colin Aldred will be flying the flag for UKIP.

The by-election has been called following the resignation of Conservative councillor Colin Hodds due to work commitments, involving relocating to Sussex.

Mr Wainwright, of Lapwing Close, Bradwell, represented the Bradwell North ward for almost seven years before losing his seat to Conservative Alan Grey in May's local elections by 48 votes. He blamed national issues for Labour's pounding locally, and while he believes central government issues are still in people's minds, he is confident the by-election can be fought on local issues.

Mr Butcher, of Links Road, Gorleston, is a founding director of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority and has been involved with the operating of CCTV in the town as well as the Nightsafe scheme. He is also chairman of Hopton Parish Council.

UKIP's Mr Aldred believes national issues are still etched on the minds of voters and reckons he will gain on his last standing in the ward in May, when he polled 177 votes.

Mr Aldred, 63 of Groomes Close, Hopton, was born and grew up in Lowestoft and has lived in Hopton for 20 years. He served in the Royal Navy for 15 years and is a qualified nurse.