COUNCILLORS in South Lakeland are gearing up for the political battle ahead as each party prepares to fight for one-third of the district seats which are up for re-election next month, reports Lisa Frascarelli.

All of the 17 wards up for grabs on May 1 are being contested.

South Lakeland District Council, which has 52 seats, has been a hung' council, with no single party in overall control, since it was formed in 1974.

At present, Liberal Democrats hold 21 seats (six are being contested), while the Conservatives hold 19 seats, ten of which will be contested.

The Labour group hold nine (none of those wards are involved in this year's elections) and Independents three (one of those seats is being contested).

But SLDC looks set to remain hung as to obtain a majority, either the Liberal Democrats or the Conservatives would have to clinch 26 seats in total.

That is something which Liberal Democrat leader Brendan Jameson has his sights set on: "We will be working towards that goal (of an overall majority) and will be trying very hard to persuade the electorate. There is a chance we could gain the majority and, should that be the case, we will be in a position to address our campaign issues."

Although the leader remained tight-lipped over the party's main battle grounds, he said the main issues would be affordable housing, increasing recycling and promoting economic regeneration. "The area has been hit very hard with job losses at Glaxo, K Shoes and Scottish Provident and we need good quality jobs to replace those that have been lost. Another problem we feel should be addressed is making villages more sustainable and affordable housing for local occupancy."

Rural regeneration and housing will also be top of the list for Conservative candidates on the campaign trail this spring. Conservative group leader Coun Colin Hodgson said party would be campaigning on a number of issues key to rural life in South Lakeland. "We are very supportive of regeneration of the rural economy, which has suffered from foot-and-mouth. "We are also keen to address the shortage of housing provision in rural areas, especially within the national park. Young people living in the area often feel they need to leave to find a job and to find a home. We want to see more business attracted into the area and homes that young people can afford."

Coun Hodgson said that his group also wanted to re-examine the issue of public toilet closures across the region.

"We are not saying we want to keep them all open but we think some areas do need looking at. Perhaps the council should look again at how it is being done."

The Labour party has a quieter time ahead as none of their wards are up for re-election, but they will be fighting for the Arnside and Beetham seat, as current Liberal Democrat incumbent Patricia Himsworth stands down.

Labour councillor and Kendal mayor Avril Dobson said the party's main priority was housing. "Arnside is a prime area where they desperately need low cost housing," she added.

April 11, 2003 10:31