The race for Chichester will see the Lib Dems and Conservatives vying for control of the district council.

Just three seats need to change hands on May 3 for power to swing to the Lib Dems but the Tories have been buoyed by two recent by-election successes.

Aside from the four years from 1995 to 1999, the Conservatives have dominated the district council in recent years.

The Tories currently have 25 councillors, the Lib Dems 20 and Independents three.

But in 2005 a split in the Conservative party led Lib Dem leader Andrew Smith to take control of the district council for a short period. He hopes to find himself once again at the helm and Tangmere and Southbourne could be key wards in the battle.

Councillor Smith said: "The feedback we are getting is very good and a lot will be down to the work of local councillors in each ward."

He added that better infrastructure and more affordable homes were two key issues in the district.

Conservative council leader Myles Cullen is confident his party has done enough to retain control.

He said: "We have been successful with the recycling programme and very successful in putting together the local development framework.

We also have the lowest council tax in West Sussex."

The future of sea defences at Selsey and parking problems in Midhurst are two hot political issues in the district.

The Labour Party does not currently hold any seats in Chichester district and will be contesting only a handful of seats in the election.

The BNP are fielding two candidates in Chichester West, and UKIP and a host of Independent candidates are also fighting for seats.