FOUR years ago, the Conservatives had hoped to emulate their parliamentary progress in the region by becoming the local authority's dominant group. That though, despite their gain of three seats, did not come to pass, with the council's Labour minority administration effectively working as a three-way coalition.

With 14 seats, Labour narrowly overpowers the dozen independents and 11 Tories. There are five members for both LibDems and the SSP. There will be 13 wards contested in May, with 47 councillors to be elected.

The administration has pursued a number of contentious schemes in recent years, in particular its new PPP education drive, which has led to the merging of several small rural schools. By the summer, the area will enjoy a boost in profile when Gretna FC are expected to claim their place in the top tier of the Scottish football league.

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