The Lib Dems have a commanding lead of Lewes District Council and are likely to retain power.

But they face a confident Conservative Party which believes it can take control and an unusual challenge from the Seagulls Party.

The Lib Dems have 26 seats, the Tories ten, there are four independents and a vacancy.

The Seagulls Party are fielding four candidates in four different wards and, after a good poll in last year's Ouse Valley and Ringmer byelection, Ed Bassford is hopeful the party could pick up seats. He is at pains to point out that, although the party is standing on the Falmer Stadium ticket, he is also concerned about the incinerator at Newhaven and parking restrictions in Lewes - two political hot potatoes in the district.

Lib Dem councillor and chairman of Lewes District Council Marina Pepper said the council's work on recycling and regeneration had been well received.

Councillor Norman Turner, leader of the Conservative group, is predicting victory for his party.

He said the Lib Dems had not offered voters value for money and that council tax had soared since 1991, when they took control. He said: "To take control of the council we need 22 seats, which is a big job."

Independent councillor Ruth O'Keeffe is standing for her third term and believes she is well placed for four more years. A handful of Labour candidates, UKIPs, Greens and other Independents are also standing.