THE Ribble Valley is bracing itself for an election battle after a third of the borough's councillors announced they are to bow out.

The hung council, currently under the minority control of the Liberal Democrats, is up for grabs at elections on May 6.

Several prominent councillors are standing down, among them lone Labour man Bert Jones and former mayors Eileen Lowe, of Sabden, and Dorothy Pearson, of Slaidburn.

Council leader Howel Jones said the high number of candidates not seeking re-election was due to several reasons.

"Some are in their mid-seventies and want a rest, some have served since the council was formed in 1974, some have enormous work pressures and some have served one term and decided it's not for them. It has certainly paved the way for an interesting election." he said.

Ribble Valley Council electoral officer Kath Law said it was unusual for so many councillors to be standing down in one go.

She said: "There was a 50 per cent turnout at the last election, which was quite high. It'll be interesting to see what the turnout is this time."

Coun Jones said the Liberal Democrats would be fighting to win control of the council and had started canvassing already.

Tory leader Peter Redpath said he had every confidence the Conservatives would end up in power.

"It's all systems go. We're particularly pleased to have former council leader Bill Fleming standing for us," he said.

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