LIBERAL Democrats are mounting an all-out attempt to regain control of New Forest District Council after eight years in opposition.

They are contesting 58 of the 60 seats up for grabs in next month's local elections - the first to be held in the Forest for four years.

Ruling Conservatives will be defending a six-seat majority when voters go to the polls on May 3.

Lib Dem group leader Alan Weeks said: "There's every chance that we will take control.

"We are targeting 35 seats and if we win each one we'll end up with a ten-seat majority - but I think it will be closer than that."

The party is going into battle without some of its best known stalwarts.

As reported in the Daily Echo, long-serving Totton member Dave Russell has defected to the Conservatives after falling out with fellow Lib Dems, who wanted him to contest one of the two Brockenhurst seats.

Totton Central councillor George Dart has also joined the Tory ranks.

Cllr Dart said: "I became increasingly aware that I was falling out of step with Lib Dem policies. This prompted my decision to join the Conservatives, with whom I share more common ground."

Another Totton councillor, Steve Shepherd, has decided to stand down after 16 years.

Fellow Lib Dem Robin Harrison, who currently represents Totton East, is bidding to capture the Brockenhurst and Forest South East seat.

Asked why he had switched wards he said: "We want to get the Conservatives out of Brockenhurst."

His main opponent is Tory Maureen Holding, the council's Cabinet member for health and social inclusion.

Tory group leader Mel Kendal said: "I never take the electorate for granted but I'm cautiously optimistic about our chances of retaining control. The Audit Commission says we're one of the best councils in the country."

One name missing from the list of Conservative candidates is that of council chairman David Scott.

Cllr Scott, who represents Bramshaw, Copythorne North and Minstead, has decided to step down from the authority after 16 years.