The Conservatives have ruled Arun for more than two decades and it is highly unlikely the council will change colour come May 3.

But the Liberal Democrats and Labour are vying to extend their powerbase at the elections, with the fight in Bognor and Littlehampton looking particularly fierce.

All 56 seats are up for grabs, with 36 Conservatives, nine Lib Dems, eight Labour and three Independents holding posts.

Key battlegrounds are likely to be Rushington East, Littlehampton Beach, Hotham and Bognor Marine. Regeneration of the district council's two major seaside resorts, Littlehampton and Bognor, is likely to play a part in elections.

Littlehampton was recently voted the coolest seaside resort in the country by Vogue magazine and is to become the home of a new beach cafe which was designed by acclaimed architect Thomas Heatherwick.

Other improvements include the new luxury apartments gracing the east bank of the River Arun and the Regency Beach Crescent development which have attracted buyers from London.

Bognor is set for a £100 million regeneration. But the possibility of the Hotham Arts Centre being demolished as part of the scheme is causing concern.

And Labour deputy leader Councillor George O'Neill said that more investment was needed to attract tourists.

His party hopes to take two extra seats and will be fighting for more affordable homes, investment in tourism and a new hospital in Littlehampton.

He said: "We have had a very good response on the doorstep and we are optimistic that we will retain all of our seats.

"There doesn't seem to be a great deal of movement to the two other parties."

Councillor Simon McDougall, leader of the Lib Dem group, said his party's message of tackling crime and improving the environment had been well received.

He said: "The indication from our canvassing is that there is a swing from Labour to us, particularly in Bognor and Littlehampton.

The national picture is that there is a swing to the Conservatives but we are very hopeful of making significant gains in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis."

Where to place the thousands of new homes earmarked for the area is also likely to prove a contentious issues, with concerns being raised about possible development on greenfield land.

Tension between the many East Europeans who have made Bognor and Littlehampton their home and other elements of the community has sparked trouble in the last year. The BNP is standing in two Bognor wards - Pevensey and Orchard.

Conservative Gill Brown, council leader, said her party was presenting a strong team of candidates and would be campaigning on its record for protecting the environment and affordable homes.

She said: "We need to preserve what we have, which is why we support the Littlehampton Vision plan that looks set to enhance the town, improve tourism and the local economy.

"Conservatives recognise the need to encourage more goodquality employment opportunities, which will provide higher wage levels for local people.

"We have worked hard towards the long-awaited regeneration of Bognor Regis that will bring in over £100 million of private-sector funding and increased job opportunities to the town.

"We are totally committed to providing an entertainment provision within the regeneration development."

UKIP is also fielding candidates in most wards.