THE battle lines have been drawn as South Ribble's four political parties prepare to go to war in a bid to win power in the borough.

Unlike many authorities, South Ribble Borough Council holds elections once every four years for all councillors - instead of having a few seats contested each year as in Preston.

And with the mayor currently having the casting vote on the council, each party is desperate to snatch new seats in the hope it can take overall control of the borough.

In the majority of the wards, a three way race can be expected between Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

But in three wards - Samlesbury and Cuerdale, All Saints, and Bamber Bridge South - a fourth party is getting involved, that of the Idle Toad.

Seven candidates are standing for the Idle Toad party, previously known as the Labour Philosophical and Recreational Teaching Institution, which was formed at the last local election by former 1Labour councillors Tom Sharratt and Barrie Yates.

Coun Sharratt said: "The Idle Toad is the name of the regular magazine we publish which keeps people informed of what we are doing. It has been well received so we decided to use that name.

"It is impossible to to predict the outcome of an election but we are relying on the wisdom and common sense of our voters."

Council leader Gina Lewis is hoping South Ribble folk will look at the steps forward the borough has taken since her party swept to power four years ago. She said: "We have kept all the promises we made in 1995.

"The regeneration of the town centre has begun, economic development is a priority as are environmental issues.

"We have already planned for the next four years so promises we are making now are no wish list - they are reality."

The Conservative Party, who lost control of the borough for the first time in 1995, are hoping for a strong comeback this year.

Their leader, Coun Jim Breakell, said: "I am delighted by both the number and quality of our candidates.

"It seems to us that Labour Party policies are more important to the South Ribble ruling group than issues that are important to the borough."

And Coun Neva Orrell, leader of the Lib Dems, also expressed her confidence ahead of the election, saying: "We are fighting for council tax to be reassessed, for gritting of bad roads to be made a priority, better public transport and we want to give the public the chance to speak in council."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.