Woodingdean has been Tory for most of the time since it was split from the unwieldy old Warren ward, which used to contain much of Whitehawk as well.

But Labour has been represented too over the years, notably by former councillor Joan Moorhouse.

The ward is being reduced from three councillors to two. Tories are fielding Geoff Wells and Dee Simson.

You could not find councillors with many more local credentials than these two. They both live in the ward and are connected with many organisations ranging from the swimming pool to the community association.

But they do face a real challenge from Labour, whose Malcolm Prescott impressed with his work the last time he fought for a city council seat.

Former Brighton mayor Ray Blackwood is also making a determined effort to get back on to the authority after a long absence.

Greens and the Lib Dems are fielding candidates but Woodingdean has seldom been a happy hunting ground for either of them.

Woodingdean feels strongly it has been isolated by the council, which tends to put cash and commitment into Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb instead.

There are problems in the Bexhill Road area, every bit as bad as on the big estates but most other parts of Woodingdean are moderately prosperous.

Residents are concerned over the volume of traffic on Falmer Road since the Brighton bypass was built and want bus services improved.

Candidates (two seats): Raymond Blackwood, Lab; Stella Pentecost, Green; Season Prater, Lib Dem; Tim Prater, Lib Dem; Malcolm Prescott, Lab; Deirdre Simson, Con; Paul Ward, Green; Geoffrey Wells, Con.