THE Palace ward in Royston remains, politically speaking, the most intriguing in next month s elections. In the past 10 years it has elected a councillor from each of three major parties. It certainly appears to be a close contest between the Conservative

THE Palace ward in Royston remains, politically speaking, the most intriguing in next month's elections.

In the past 10 years it has elected a councillor from each of three major parties.

It certainly appears to be a close contest between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, al-though the word in political circles is that there are mixed messages coming from the doorstep campaigning.

Cllr Bill Davidson, who has worked his way up the ranks in local Conservative Party circles to reach a position on the district council's Cabinet and become chairman of the Royston area committee, is defending the seat he took from Labour four years ago.

He said that support appeared to be "positive".

That, of course, is how it should be according as national polls see new Tory leader David Cameron making significant gains in the local elections.

The change of leadership does not seem to have damaged the Tories.

The Liberal Democrats are hoping to add to the one seat the party hold in Royston after Cllr Robert Inwood captured the ward two years ago.

Their candidate is Liz Beardwell, who has not stood before as a candidate, while the Labour candidate is Ken Garland, the chairman of the Royston and District Labour Party.

In the Meridian ward, Cllr Tony Hunter, who is also a Herts county councillor for the North Herts rural division, is defending the seat against Labour veteran Robin King, Liberal Democrat Nanya Lilley and Green candidate Karen Harmel.

In Heath ward, Cllr Fiona Hill is defending the seat against Vaughan West (Labour) and David May (Liberal Democrat).

In the Royston Town Council election, five Conservative councillors are resigning, but the other 10 will be standing for re-election, as will Liberal Democrat candidates after an absence of eight years.

Polling will be taking place on Thursday May 4 between 7am and 10pm and the count for both the district council and the town council will be held at the Letchworth Sports Centre.

The district council results are expected to be announced in the early hours of Friday, which the count for the town council will not begin until 11am on Friday.

- Voters can elect five town councillors from each ward.