SINCE its creation in 1974, no one party has been in overall control of South Lakeland District Council.

In theory, this could change on June 10, when 18 seats will be up for grabs from the total of 52.

The current make-up of the council is 18 Conservative members, two Independent, eight Labour, 22 Liberal Democrat and two vacant seats.

The two vacant seats were created by the death of long-serving Labour Ulverston East councillor Bob Bolton, and the resignation of Malcolm Alston as Liberal Democrat member for Milnthorpe, both earlier this year.

The other seats which are up for grabs are currently occupied by six Liberal Democrats, seven Conservatives, two Labour members, and one Independent councillor.

The last local elections, in 2003, failed to make a difference to the overall control of the council, although the Liberal Democrats fared best and gained two seats. Although they finished with 23 seats after 2003's elections, Mr Alston's resignation means that they currently have 22 members.

Barrow Borough Council is also holding elections on June 10, and 12 seats from a total of 38 will be contested. The current make-up of the council is 21 Labour members, 14 Conservatives and three Independent.

At Craven District Council, Ingleton and Clapham ward is being contested, and the sitting Independent councillor, David Lloyd Ireton, will compete against Conservative candidate Alex Bentley. Altogether, 11 seats out of 30 are up for election.

The current make-up of the council is 11 Independent, eight Liberal Democrat and 11 Conservative members.