A DATE has been set for a by-election for the council seat of Poulton North and it looks as though it will become a hotly contested battle.

On September 7, voters will go to the polls to decide who they want to represent their ward.

The seat became available after the death of Labour councillor Albert Clemow, earlier this summer.

But both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives are hoping to put up a good fight in the traditional Labour stronghold.

The Liberal Democrats will be favourites among many political pundits after pipping Labour to the post for another of the area's seats in the May elections.

The party has not yet selected a candidate, but council leader Ian Marks said he believed they could do well given the party now holds two out of three seats in the constituency.

He said: "It is our objective to consolidate and gain a third councillor in the area, it will be a vigorous and hard fought campaign."

The Conservatives have selected Francine Leslie to stand; the Orford resident is a member of the Birchwood, Poulton and Fearnhead branch of the party.

Deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, Keith Bland, said: "We have got to contest the seat, and we hope to put on a good show."

Labour has fielded Kevin Bennett, a 50-year-old production manager.

It is understood the decision to select a member of Warrington south to stand for Labour in the area has prompted questions as to why a more local member was not asked to contest the seat.

But party bosses remain confident that they can retain the seat which was held by Clr Clemow for more than two decades.

The vote will be an interesting test for the new Liberal Democrats and Tory leadership alliance at the Town Hall.

The Green Party is also believed to be funding a candidate.

Nominations for candidates have to be submitted by next Thursday, August 10.