HYNDBURN has a Conservative-controlled borough but its MP is Labour.

And over the years that has left the balance of power at Hyndburn Council on a knife edge.

Hyndburn was controlled by Labour for 15 years until 1999 when the Tories won power.

They have stayed in control ever since except for the 2002/03 year.

But this time it is unlikely to change hands.

The Conservatives will be hoping to build on their majority for a second straight election by capitalising on Labour’s national woes.

The Tories have 18 seats and Labour 12, with five independents.

A total of 11 wards are up for grabs this week, with the Tories defending five and Labour four.

The rest are held by independent candidates. Therefore, the Tories would have to take a battering for Labour to seize power.

There are seven independents, one Liberal Democrat and one British National Party candidate also standing across the 11 wards.

Hyndburn leader Peter Britcliffe, who this time was overlooked to stand in the General Election, is set to defend St Andrew’s ward against Independent Tony Hindley and John McCormack for Labour.

In Milnshaw, Conservative Roger Jepson is looking to oust Labour councillor Clare Pritchard.

BALANCE OF POWER: Con 18, Lab 12, ind five.

SEATS UP FOR GRABS: 11.

WILL IT CHANGE HANDS? It would be a major surprise despite the delicate balance of power.

Full list of candidates

Clayton-le-Moors

Nick Collingridge, Independent
Andrew Eccles, British National Party
Jennie Anderson, Conservative
Tim O'Kane, Labour.

Huncoat

Paul Gott, Independent
Nick Whittaker, Conservative
Martyn Isherwood, Labour.

Immanuel

Simon Taylor, Conservative
Colette McCormack, Labour.

Milnshaw

Roger Jepson, Conservative
Clare Pritchard, Labour.

Netherton

Stephen Aspin, Independent
Dennis Baron, Conservative
Ciaran Wells, Labour.

Overton

Ian Robinson, Independent
Roy Atkinson, Conservative.

Peel

Danny Cassidy, Conservative
Bernard Dawson, Labour.

Rishton

Chris Fisher, Independent
Ross Sourbutts, Conservative
Ken Moss, Labour.

Spring Hill

Mohammed Safdar, Conservative
Pam Barton, Labour
Akhtar Hussain, Liberal Democrats.

St Andrew's

Tony Hindley, Independent
Peter Britcliffe, Conservative
John McCormack, Labour.

St Oswald's

Brian Smith, Independent
Doug Hayes, Conservative
Stewart Eaves, Labour.