Labour and the Greens both took seats in Preston Park in 2003.

But with the controversial secondary school admissions changes dominating much of the debate, the race is wide open.

The last election saw the Greens' Richard Mallender crowned the runaway winner - but he is standing down this year. Labour's Juliet McCaffrey and Kevin Allen took the two remaining seats but were closely followed by the Greens.

While the Greens hope to extend their control of Preston Park, their election campaign has not run as smoothly as they would have hoped.

All three original prospective councillors were dropped and replaced by current St Peter's and North Laine councillor Simon Williams, Andrew Knott and Amy Kennedy.

The Greens' backing of new secondary school catchment areas has angered some parents, who feel they have been disadvantaged by the changes.

The Greens believe the school issue will not be a deciding factor in the vote and will hope their strong record on environmental issues and Coun Mallender's hard work will see them take all three seats.

While Labour's Ms McCaffrey and Mr Allen opposed the school plans, many still feel aggrieved by their party's cheerleading of this divisive issue. They are, however, seen as independently minded and have been well received. Nick Jarvis hopes to become Labour's third councillor in the ward.

Independent Tracey-Ann Ross is standing on the Schools 4 Communities ticket, fighting the catchment changes. Candidate Jo Offer is also an independent, fighting the recycling sorting facility in Hollingdean.

With the wind behind the Conservatives' sails nationally, and their opposition to the schools proposals, they also have their eye on the ward. They are fielding a team of chef Jon Perrin, Clive Brimmell and Dan Kaufer. The Lib Dems also have three candidates - Billy Tipping, Paul Durden and Lawrence Eke.