A snapshot poll conducted by the Westmorland Gazette suggested the Liberal Democrats could increase their share of the vote in Westmorland and Lonsdale compared with 2005, when it won after a 3.5 per cent swing.

However, almost half of the 120 South Lakeland voters we polled indicated they may not use their vote at all on May 6.

Of those who declared they would vote, 30 said they would support the Liberal Democrats - six more than said they would vote Tory.

Labour (ten votes), the BNP (two votes) and UKIP (one vote) all appeared out of the running on this poll.

Altogether, 53 people said they weren’t sure if they were going to vote.

The Gazette’s snapshot poll was conducted on the streets of Bowness and Kendal, with the latter location showing the strongest support for the LIb Dems.

WHAT SOME OF THE VOTERS WE POLLED SAID

“I’d vote for Tim Farron every time. He does everything for this area.” Christine Wilson, Kendal.

“There’s lots of reasons I’m voting conservative. The country neeeds to change.” Darren Marshall, Bowness.

”My family has always voted Conservative so I am.” Annie McClark, 19, first time voter, Crosthwaite.

“The government has messed everything up. Anything is going to be better.” Conservative voter Mike Johnson, 29, Windermere.

“I'm not going to vote, none of them are any good. A lot of the older people still feel annoyed about the expenses.” Barbara Dixon, 70, Kendal.

“They’re all boring upper class snobs. I don’t like any of them.” Daniel Atherton, first time voter, 19, Windermere.

“I’m not voting because of all the corruption. I have no faith in any of them.” Lesley Irwin, 46, Windermere.

“Things can’t get any worse. They’ve made such a diaster of this country.” Conservative voter Gillian Woodburne, 45, Bouth.

“I’m not voting as it doesn’t interest me at all.” Lisa Kiern, Bowness.

“I have no intention of voting.” Alan Rawlinson, Kendal.

“The Lib Dem’s aren’t going to get in. Tim Farron is the best we’ve ever had, but they aren’t going to get in again.” Darren Wield, Windermere.

“I don’t want a hung parliament. Tim will get in no problem, He’s done a brilliant job - a lot of hard work.” Paul Robinson, Kendal.

“Politicians need to be more honest and do what they say they’re going to do.” Robert Fluke, Kendal.

“All of them backstab each other. They need to spend more time worrying about politics than each other.” John Turnell, Kendal.