PARLIAMENTARY candidates are being urged to listen to the area's older population after a poll found only a third of 18-54 year-olds are planning to vote in the General Election.

According to Age Concern, more than 60 per cent of over 55s in the North West are certain to vote compared with just 35 per cent of younger voters.

But with an estimated 2.6million over 55s yet to decide who to vote for, the charity is warning the election outcome could be in their hands.

Gordon Lishman, the charity's director-general, said: "If a decisive blow is struck at the General Election, it will come from the older voters who can be relied on to turn out but are increasingly prepared to switch their vote."

The poll also found voters want the Government to focus on pensions and the NHS.