WITH the general election just three weeks away, we took a walk through Poole town centre to gauge public opinion on the issues facing the electorate.

The country's seismic Brexit decision, and the subsequent changing political landscape of Westminster, may have paved the way for the snap election - but in Poole our future relationship with the European Union is clearly not the only topic in the minds of voters.

Local NHS service provision - in particular plans to disband Poole Hospital's A&E department - green belt development north of the town, and High Street regeneration all give cause for concern locally.

Leigh Whittall, who runs the fish and chips kiosk on Poole Quay, said: "I've voted Conservative all my life - I must admit this Poole council, which is Conservative, has pushed me to my limit...they're useless. Look at Poole now compared to 25 years ago.

"The only reason I'm voting Conservative is because I couldn't vote for Labour, simply because of the leader. The Liberal Democrats would also be a pointless vote, and I''m not into UKIP's politics in any way."

Leigh also thinks that although the perceived decline in the High Street and Quay is very much a local issue, for local Borough of Poole councillors to be held to account, it could still influence how some voters will respond on the national stage come June 8.

"We were the top tourist destination 30 years ago, we were ahead of Bournemouth by a mile - now we've dropped very low. People are not happy about this," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Poole resident Amanda Morgan said she'd be backing the Tories.

"We need a strong team to negotiate Brexit, I think we need to be able to control immigration better, rather than having open borders."

The 52-year-old believes improved national policies to help revitalise town centres, such as Poole, could also be key in the election run-up.

Another Poole resident, Richard Chapman, said proposals to shake-up NHS services in Dorset, in particular the plan to close Poole Hospital's A&E department in favour of Bournemouth Hospital could sway voters on election day.

"The NHS is the biggest election issue for me by far," he said. "What is happening with Poole Hospital is not right, it is bad enough having to get over to Bournemouth Hospital now, but this will be a journey many Poole people will have to make more in the future. I don't buy this reorganisation line, it is a cut to the NHS, plain and simple."

Poole shopper Sue Nunn believes the big issues will be Brexit, immigration, the NHS and schools.

"Poole A&E is closing and people are not happy about this," she said. "This general election looks a done deal but look at the shocks we've had - Brexit, Trump."

Her husband Colin, who has been a union member all of his life, said he'd be backing Theresa May.

"I've just read what Corbyn is trying to do and it is totally wrong for the country," said Colin. "Give him his due, he sticks to what he says, but he has absolutely no charisma, none at all.

"He needs to try to get everyone on his side and he seems unable to do that - half his own people even want to leave him.

"I'm a strong trade unionist who has voted Labour all my life, but I'm backing Theresa on this one.

"I just don't see how he'll be able to fund what he says he wants to do. He knows he is not going to get in so he can promise what he likes."

Colin Jameson, who has worked in Poole for decades, said: "For me the biggest issue is Brexit.

"I think if we are not careful we are going to end up losing sight of why Theresa May called this election.

"I see the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on TV talking about this issue, that issue - but you sit there and think is this why Theresa May called this election? She called it because of Brexit, to strengthen our negotiating position in Brussels.

"Others will say, well it gives us an opportunity to raise issues such as Poole Hospital. I think Poole losing its casualty department is criminal, but, at the end of the day, why are we having this election? Because of Brexit, that is why."