Labour will be looking to retain its hold on this ward, which is right at the centre of the city.

Regency has been reduced from three seats to two in a reorganisation of Brighton and Hove's wards.

Roy Pennington, who chairs the planning committee, will be contesting Regency again. He is recovering well after a serious stroke.

With him will be Michael Fisher, composer of witty and acidic letters which often appear in The Argus.

The Greens have made this one of their target wards. They have a strong team, headed by local publican Ian Poyser.

With him is Hugh Barney Miller, who was once a leading Labour councillor and is a campaigner for gay rights.

Regency is also being targeted by the Liberal Democrats, who hold neighbouring Brunswick.

One of their three councillors there, Dawn Davidson, hopes to migrate into Brighton, with newcomer Kevin Donnelly.

Regency was once one of the most solid Conservative wards in Brighton and was won by the party only 11 years ago.

Former councillor John Hutchinson and Joyce Pidgeon, wife of Councillor Brian Pidgeon, will be hoping to reclaim it.

Thomas Hickey is also fighting Regency for the Socialist Alliance Against the War.

The big local issue in Regency has been the future of the West Pier.

Parking and traffic are key problems in this bustling area, where crime and rubbish collection are also regularly mentioned.

Candidates (two seats):

Labour - Roy Pennington, Michael Fisher.

Liberal Democrats - Dawn Davidson, Kevin Donnelly.

Greens - Hugh Barney Miller, Ian Andrew Poyser.

Conservative - Joyce Edna Pidgeon, John Hutchinson.

Socialist Alliance Against The War - Thomas Patrick Hickey.