TAKE a look around the Bournemouth West constituency and the amount of new development is hard to miss.

The skyline is being transformed thanks to Bournemouth University's new town centre building, and the £60 million Hilton hotel and residential development on the former Terrace Mount car park.

Everywhere you look it appears money is being ploughed into the local economy, from the ongoing - and somewhat controversial - Three Towns Travel project, to the £50 million leisure scheme at the former Exeter Road NCP car park.

Don't forget the £4 million Pier Approach redevelopment and the extended Oceanarium as well.

On the face of it things seems to be heading in the right direction - compare Bournemouth West to other UK seaside constituencies and the differences are stark. But what do the residents of this constituency think about these changes? Do they feel local investment will be a key issue at the general election, or do the people of Bournemouth West think national issues will shape the fight at the ballot box, and these national issues will ultimately determine who will be their Parliamentary representative once the dust settles after May 7?

The Daily Echo went to Wimborne Road, Winton, to find out residents' views.

Andrew Cooper, of Winton, said: "I don't usually vote, mainly because whatever politicians say its just the same old thing really. They say one thing then do something else when they get to power. I don't really see a difference between the two main parties.

"I don't think one party will get an overall majority, so then it will come down to waiting for 28 days while they tell us what they want to do before anything is settled."

Meanwhile, Georgina Brookes, of Bournemouth, said: "I think the main issue will be the National Health Service. The election is important but I'll be voting because of national issues, rather than local ones."

Louise Hague, who through a recent change in circumstances told the Echo she is not registered to vote, said: "I would really have liked to vote. I don't think the whole system is working at the moment. Basically the richer are getting more richer and the poorer and getting poorer.

"Never mind all this development in town, there is not enough help for the poor. It doesn't matter who gets in, none of the poor will be any better off really."

Bournemouth resident Wayne Robinson said: "I think whatever government gets in they should be concentrating on helping the NHS. In Bournemouth there is lots of development going on, building sites everywhere. But half of it is not really needed, the money is needed locally elsewhere."

Lisa Hanson-skow, of Bournemouth said:"I won't be voting. I think the NHS should be given bundles of money and none of the parties are really saying they are going to do this.

"My mum has been in hospital ten times this year, when I see the level of work that goes into her and how stretched they are it amazes me they're able to do their jobs."

Thomas Hilton, a self-employed roofer, said, contrary to some of the projections, he thought it could be a low turnout this year: "It all just seems to be the same. They feed you want they need to get to power, then they do what they want."

And Alec Holmes, of Bournemouth, said: "I haven't really decided whether or not to vote at the moment to be honest. After the last time, when everything that was promised has been thrown away, I don't see the point. The coalition didn't keep to so many promises they made. What I find is they tend to say anything to get in, then concentrate on their own positions as individual MPs, not necessarily what is good for the country."