Of 20 parish councils facing re-election in the Winchester district, 19 have cancelled their ballots due to a lack of candidates.

With the exception of residents in Wickham, voters will have no voice in who represents them at parish level.

Candidates who put their names forward for the other 19 councils have been elected by default, without a single vote cast.

New Alresford Town Council is a typical case, with just seven candidates applying for 11 seats.

Yet Robin Atkins - one of three current members seeking re-election to the council - does not see a problem with the number of applicants.

"I think seven people can do the job. By comparison, if you look at the City Council, they probably have too many councillors."

There are 57 seats in the city council chamber, though competition to get elected is more intense at district level.

On Thursday, May 1st, 63 candidates will compete for the 20 city council seats being contested this year.

Yet in 17 of the 20 wards, voters will only be able to choose between the Conservatives, Labour or the Liberal Democrats.

The main political parties are contesting every seat at district level in Winchester, but their representation at parish levels is minimal.

The vast majority of parish council members in Hampshire are independents.

These members are less likely to be challenged when seeking re-election, as the main political parties rarely field candidates.

The absence of elections may be a blessing for some parishes. That is the view of Suzanne Hudson, director of the Hampshire Association of Parish and Town Councils.

"Some councillors will have been elected unopposed - which may mean great public satisfaction with the existing parish council.

"Elections are expensive to operate and some parishes strive to avoid the cost."

She praised the work of parish members in the county, saying their duties were often difficult.

"It is not an easy decision to stand for office, as it involves considerable responsibility, is hard work, and absorbs much time at meetings and events.

"There is a need to keep updated on new legislation and countless initiatives from central government."

Parish council members do not receive any allowances, in contrast to their county and district colleagues.

The annual basic allowance for a Winchester City Council member is £5,448, while county members receive £10,660.

City council leader, Sheila Campbell, is entitled to receive £20,340, while county leader Ken Thornber can claim £35,000.

The 11 members elected to Wickham Parish Council on Thursday, May 1st will, by comparison, receive nothing.

Yet parish clerk, Nicki Oliver, is optimistic about Wickham Parish Council's future.

"The existing councillors work astonishingly hard and they achieve a lot. We've got a really vibrant community.

"Wickham has so much going on, there's plenty to get involved with," she said.