POOLE is a town of contrasts with wealthy seaside areas and levels of deprivation.

Its population is ageing and it has fewer younger people, aged 20-29 than the national average while those aged 50-64 are also at higher levels.

This has a big impact on health, education and jobs - but this effect has also contributed to the town's economy performing well during the recession.

The presence of a large active and affluent retired community, which spends freely, has played a role in maintaining economic buoyancy.

Historic Poole has been a consistently Conservative ward since it was recreated in 1950. We asked voters what their concerns were and if they would be voting.

Claire Wise, 45, from Parkstone, finance assistant at Poole High and mum of five said: "The NHS is a massive issue. Education is also a priority. There are so many issues when you start thinking about it. Keeping bus passes for the over 65s. I will vote but I haven't decided who for.

"I feel a bit let down with everything that's gone on. I don't think the split government has really worked."

Student Luke Delahaye, 22, shopping in Poole said: "Student fees need to be dropped considerably. It should be free." Studying to be a PE teacher at Leeds, he faces £18,000 debt just for tuition fees. "I'll probably decide on the day if I vote. I may be too hung over."

Mum of three with one on the way, Sharna Kiddle, 27, of Hamworthy said she was concerned about immigration and jobs and education. "I am undecided," she said. "It will be whoever comes up with the best policies on the day."

Labour Party member Richard Stubbs, 45, from Parkstone said: "I have always voted Labour because Labour is for the people." His concerns included immigration, the minimum wage, zero hour contracts. "This country has changed in the last 20 years out of all recognition."

Retired company director Peter Luckings, 70 from Lytchett Matravers said: "I shall certainly vote. I shall vote to make sure the country continues on the recovery it's on. It has taken five years." He added: "I think they are doing a reasonable job considering the circumstances they were left in."

Amber Baker, 24, supervisor at Accessorize said: "I am going to vote and this will be my first time voting. I don't know who for, I am going to do some more research about it. I'm not in education any longer but anything that's positive towards university fees, the NHS, policies like that."