THE fight for political control of Salisbury district council got underway this week, as nominations closed on Tuesday for the local elections on May 1.

The Conservatives, who have ruled the council with the support of the Independents for the last four years, are putting up 44 candidates for the 55 seats.

The Lib Dems, who are bidding to regain the power they won at the 1995 election, are fielding 35 candidates.

Labour have 21 candidates and there are ten Independents and seven Green Party candidates.

Only three wards are uncontested - Donhead, Knoyle, and Western and Mere.