CONTROL of Gosport Borough Council is hanging in the balance, as 11 of the ruling Conservatives' 17 seats are up for grabs.

Every vote will count as any change of seats could see a change in balance for the currently hung council.

There are now 17 Tory, nine Lib Dem and eight Labour councillors in Gosport.

Seats being defended at the local elections are 11 Tory, five Labour and one Lib Dem.

Hoping to take power, the Conservatives are pledging lower council tax rates and charges for short-stay car parks that are currently free - a suggestion that has already upset local shopkeepers who are desperately fighting competition from Gunwharf Quays and out-of-town stores.

All parties have vowed to fight any development on the former HMS Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent.