With less than a week until the general election, political rivals have shared some of the highs and lows from the campaign trail.

Conservative Chris Grayling is going head-to-head with Labour's Sheila Carlson, Liberal Democrat's Steve Gee, UKIP's Robert Leach, the Green's Susan McGrath and independents Lionel Blackman and Gareth Harfoot. 

Mr Grayling, who has been Epsom's MP since 2001 and served as Justice Secretary under the Coalition Government, said: "I have been out across most of the constituency as well as providing support elsewhere, and have found a pretty good response.

"There has obviously been concern about the latest hospital issue, and I have been working to reassure people that I do not think that any change is remotely likely at the moment.

"Politically it feels pretty similar to last time locally, with Conservative supporters clear in not wanting a Labour government, and certainly not wanting the SNP in Government."

Labour candidate Sheila Carlson said she has been knocking on doors, visiting train stations and even held a ballot in the marketplace over the future of Epsom Hospital.

Ms Carlson said: "The campaign has been going exceptionally well. I have spoken to residents about potential GP closures and have set up a petition to protest about the closure of two Surestart Centres in the constituency.

"The reaction has been very positive, people have been very appreciative that the parliamentary candidate is so visible.

"People have liked the fact that I have been active in the local community for so long, I have been humbled by the fact that so many people know me by name and by sight - something that isn't necessarily the case with Chris Grayling.

"With the demise of the Liberal Democrats, and the scant support for the other minor parties, Epsom and Ewell is definitely a two horse race."

Liberal Democrat candidate Steve Gee said he has been "out and about" since Easter weekend and described the response as "very strong".

Mr Gee said: "Throughout I’ve been very politely received, listened to and feel pretty positive about the reception I’ve received on the doorstep and the understanding of most people of why we went in to coalition and how well our existing councillors here have worked.

"I believe our message that we will cut less than the Conservatives and borrow less than Labour is getting through and people are warming to the idea of another coalition."

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UKIP candidate Robert Leach said they have been campaigning on the streets for months and delivering party newspapers.

Mr Leach said: "We have noticed a growing interest in UKIP. More than half of people accept a newspaper.

"There is a greater acceptance of our policies and less rejection, as residents begin to understand what we really believe rather than what our opponents may wish to pretend we believe."

He added: "Everyone has been friendly, and some have been enthusiastic."

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Green candidate Susan McGrath said: "The campaign is going well. I do not have as much time as I would like to devote to it but that is life.

"We also have been going to Brighton to promote Caroline Lucas as we really need to get her re-elected. The response has been positive. Everyone likes our policies."

Independent Lionel Blackman said he bumped into Mr Grayling who was canvassing down his own street in Epsom last month.

He said: "I introduced him to my "campaign battle pushbike". He said he looked forward to debating the Human Rights Act with me at the hustings.

"I said there would be very little time to do so. I am getting information from other Independent Candidates standing in various parts of the country.

"Actually, it is quite disappointing that there is only one hustings in Epsom and Ewell. Many constituencies have far more hustings opportunities for the voters to test the candidates."

Independent Gareth Harfoot, who is filming his election campaign, said: "So far the campaign has been tough, I’ve been out around where I live here in Ewell, and been trying to drum up interest amongst some local groups I’m a member of.

"People have been friendly and interested for the most part but I’m not entirely convinced that will translate into votes; they’re kind, polite and encouraging but I think deep down they’re not really dreamers who think they have the power to change the country."

Mr Harfoot said he was excluded from the hustings, adding: "I want to show people that anyone can do this, that democracy can work for all, but every day it just seems more and more like this is not something I’m supposed to do, only people that know how, who have been approved and vetted are meant to be allowed in here…"

For more visit www.epsomguardian.co.uk/generalelection2015