IN the wake of the row over MPs expenses, it has almost gone unnoticed that elections for both Herts county council and European Parliament are taking place next week. But voters will have received their cards to go to the polls next Thursday, June 4, to

IN the wake of the row over MPs expenses, it has almost gone unnoticed that elections for both Herts county council and European Parliament are taking place next week.

But voters will have received their cards to go to the polls next Thursday, June 4, to vote in both elections.

Forty one candidates are contesting the nine vacancies in the St Albans division of the county council - and many are familiar names from the district council.

In St Albans North Conservative district councillor Salih Gaygusuz is hoping to win the seat from Lib-Dem Allan Witherick while in St Albans South, sitting Tory councillor Bob Clarkson will be defending his seat against St Albans council's environment portfolio holder, Lib-Dem Mike Ellis.

In Harpenden South West, actor Albert Moses is flying the Lib-Dem flag against sitting Tory councillor Teresa Heritage while in Colney Heath, the only division with a British National Party (BNP) candidate, the district council's planning portfolio holder, Cllr Chris Brazier, is contesting the seat currently held by the Conservatives.

Geoff Churchard, who currently holds Sandridge division for the Lib-Dems, is up against another district council colleague Beric Read who is standing for the Tories in the village.

And in St Albans Rural, where Derek Hills has stood down, former St Albans Deputy Mayor Maxine Crawley is standing for the Conservatives against Wheathampstead schools campaigner and district councillor, Judy Shardlow.

The current breakdown of the county council is 46 Conservatives, 16 Labour, 14 Lib-Dems and one Green. All four main parties are standing in each of the nine St Albans district divisions.

Voters will also be asked to vote for seven MEPs for the Eastern Region. As well as the four main parties, nine other parties including the BNP are putting up candidates in the election.

Standing for the Labour Party is Nigel Gardner, of Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, while Jules Sherrington, of London Road, St Albans, and Andrew Parker, of Claudian Place, St Albans, are standing for the Jury team, a coalition of independent candidates who are opposed to the party system.

Polling booths are open between 7am and 10pm next Thursday but the results will not be known until next Friday.