CHANGE is in the air. The General Election is the most uncertain for decades, with polls showing it too close to call.

The growth of smaller parties; a confident and resurgent SNP threatening to wipe out yet another national party in Scotland, and widespread dissatisfaction with the austerity drive, are all factors to pique the interest of even the most apathetic observer on May 7.

However, in York, we have the added drama of local elections being held on the same day. These are set against a backdrop of a failing administration widely held in contempt by many living in the city.

All the major parties have failed. Labour has demonstrated authoritarian tendencies, wasting public funds pushing through unpopular and damaging policies.

All parties, with the exception of the Greens, have resorted to negative campaigning and petty squabbling, when they should be working together for the good of everyone.

There is an opportunity here to change the local landscape and usher in a different type of politics.

I would urge readers to consider voting Green in the local elections. The concessions won by the present local Green councillors during the recent council budget negotiations give a glimpse of their future conduct should they hold the balance of power.

Their manifesto promises to engage residents in decision-making; to invest in high quality affordable housing and to preserve our public services for all.

Baz Buchanan, Teal Drive, York.