Community campaigners in Uxbridge are turning to the internet to ensure local issues aren't forgotten in the closest fought general election in decades.
Voters in constituencies throughout the area have joined an army of volunteers across the UK to help hold local candidates to account via the Democracy Club website.
Democracy Club aims to hold candidates to account by getting volunteers to report what those standing for election locally are pledging to do if they win power.
Those volunteers also post what issues matter to the local constituency in an attempt to ensure that important local issues aren't overshadowed by national politics which often dominate the news agenda.
All candidates will receive a questionnaire from the website to answer questions on national and local issues, the results of which will be published online. Local voters still have time to join Democracy Club to say which local issues matter to them, and make sure their local candidates reply to the
The project is being run with support from Mysociety, a not for profit organisation which also runs websites which make it easier for the public to monitor what is discussed in parliament and to submit Freedom of Information requests, and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust Limited.
Users can monitor what is being discussed in their local constituency, and look at political leaflets which have been uploaded by volunteers. Anyone can volunteer to get involved.
Seb Bacon, one of the people behind Democracy Club, said: "We're not part of any organisation and have no agenda other than increasing transparency and civic participation. We don't even know exactly how this is going to work out.
"But along the way, we hope build up a picture of what people care about across the country; connect with other people who care about the state of politics in the UK; and have some fun.
"Despite widespread disillusionment with politics and politicians, British people are not apathetic.
"We'd like to make things better, but what's the easiest way to get started? Democracy Club exists to help answer this question."
Issues being raised in Uxbridge include:
Ruislip, Northworth and Pinner: Fears over the third runway at Heathrow, concerns at the impact high speed rail will have on the area, and the need to protect local hospitals
Uxbridge and South Ruislip: Pollution from planes, and concerns that not enough is being spent on keeping the area looking nice
South West Hertfordshire: The need to improve London Midland train services, a call for a new secondary school in Rickmansworth and concern over dedicated sites for the traveling community.
Hayes and Harlington: Fears over a new rail hub in the area.
You can get involved with Democracy Club by going to www.democracyclub.org.uk/
