Empty units in a shopping precinct are one of the biggest frustrations for people in Knowle. 

The general election is just over two weeks away but on the streets of the village there is little talk about it, just frustration with the perceived inaction of politicians including on the shopping centre. 

Plans to revamp the centre in St John's Way, Knowle, were first revealed in 2021 but have stalled since.

Speaking to local business owners and people on the streets it was the topic to quickly get brought up. 

Asked what the key local issue is, one business owner said: "The main thing is they have allowed the shops to remain empty. To allow that to go on so long."

She said another issue for her as an independent was that she couldn't afford to employ staff due to the minimum wage. 

"For small businesses it's the minimum wage issue. My wages (to pay) have doubled," she said.

"I'm doing more hours myself. 

"I'm going to vote Conservative, I come from a Conservative family – but they all say one thing and do another."

Plans to revamp the centre in St John's Way, Knowle, were first revealed in 2021 but have stalled since (image via LDRS)

Another independent business owner brought up the shopping precinct saying: "We are just praying for them to be let out again.

"This has been an ongoing thing for a long time, it sticks in the gut. 

"The landlords have too much power – it is something the politicians should have sorted.

"They didn't sort it out."

Asked if she would be voting the owner said: "Conservatives and Labour round here have been no good, I wouldn't vote for either.

"I'm undecided whether I would vote but if I do it will probably be for Reform."

There is frustration with the perceived inaction of politicians including on the shopping centre (image via LDRS)

Another business owner said: "The way I see it the politicians are all a bunch of crooks. 

"They make promises, once elected they aren't going to do any of it. 

"They are not looking out for independent businesses. 

"There are so many shut down because people can not afford to run businesses anymore.

"I have voted a couple of times, this time round I won't vote. 

"I'm pessimistic about politics. It's false promises," he added.

Knowle falls under the Meriden and Solihull East seat which pollsters are predicting will be close between the Conservatives and Labour.

But out on the streets of Knowle there is little evidence of enthusiasm or excitement with no banners in support of any candidates. 

In fact you would struggle to even know an election campaign is going on –  just a couple of signs from Solihull Council reminding people they will need to bring photo ID to vote. 

Two friends with young children said a mix of local and national issues would be what leads them to vote. 

One said: "They need to do more about childcare. 

"When people have good incomes yet can't afford to pay for childcare, that's such a shame."

Her friend said: "Sunak needs to go. 

"How somebody can say on national television and say they were poor because they didn't have Sky TV and he can leave the D-day celebrations – I think is absolutely disgusting. 

"They gave their lives so we can vote, and he was disrespectful."

Polling day is July 4 . The candidates in the seat are:

• Sarah Alan – Labour
• Saqib Bhatti – Conservative
• Malcolm Sedgley – Reform UK
• Shesh Sheshabhatter – Green
• Sunny Virk – Liberal Democrats