A THIRD of the 38-seats on Barrow Borough Council are up for grabs when voters go to the polls next month.

The council is controlled by the Labour party, which has half of the seats.

In total, 13 council seats will be decided at the elections on May 1, which could easily see the control of the council change as the Conservative Party currently has 15 seats; the Independent Party, three; and one councillor represents the People's Party.

Both councillors representing Dalton North and Dalton South wards have been nominated to stand again. Three people will be competing for the Dalton North seat and four for the Dalton South ward.

Current Labour councillor for Dalton North, John Major, of Lancaster Street, Dalton, was first elected in 1996. He will be competing against Conservative candidate Lynn Murray, of Turnstown Crescent, Askam-in-Furness; and Independent Coun Thomas Weall, of Snipe Gill, Marton.

Dalton South councillor Dorothy James, of Prince Street, Dalton, represents the Conservative Party. She was first elected in 1998. She will be up against Independent candidate Ian Singleton, of Lord Street, Dalton; Labour candidate, Dennis Toye, of William Street, Dalton; and Dorothy Turner, of Coniston Avenue, representing the People's Party.

Residents in Dalton North will be able to cast their votes on May 1 in Chapel Street Infant School in Dalton; the Buccleugh Hall in Lindal-in-Furness; and the Community Centre in Askam-in-Furness.

For Dalton South, polling stations will be at Dalton C of E School; the Community Centre in Askam; and Chapel Street Infant School from 8am to 9pm.

April 11, 2003 11:00