TWO former Mayors are among St Albans district councillors standing down at next month s election. Lib Dem councillors Jenny Stroud, who represents Marshals-wick North, and Brian Peyton in Harpenden East are both retiring from the district council for per

TWO former Mayors are among St Albans district councillors standing down at next month's election.

Lib Dem councillors Jenny Stroud, who represents Marshals-wick North, and Brian Peyton in Harpenden East are both retiring from the district council for personal reasons.

They are joined by veteran Tory councillor Clare Ellis in Verulam Ward, fellow Conservative Liz Stevenson in Harpenden South and LibDem Brian Sinfield in Clarence.

Conservative, Labour and Green candidates are standing in all wards when one-third of the council comes up for re-election on May 1. But the ruling LibDem group is not contesting Redbourn where Independent councillor Tony Swendell is fighting to retain his seat. If he is successful he will be the last remaining Independent on the council as John Newman, who switched from the Tories to Independent in Harpenden West, is not standing again following his move to Dorset. LibDem portfolio holder for resources, Cllr Chris Oxley, said his party had not put anyone up against Cllr Swendell when he stood four years ago and had decided not to again this time because they recognised what a good councillor the Independent member was. Elections are to be held in 18 out of the 20 wards in the St Albans district with only Sandridge and Colney Heath not being contested this year.

Among the candidates is LibDem group leader on the county council, Chris White, who is standing in Clarence Ward and would be a welcome addition to his party because of his vast experience.

Two former councillors are standing again - Conservative Nigel Wood Smith in Verulam Ward and David McManus for Labour in Batchwood.

In order to vote, residents must be on the electoral register and the deadline for new applications in order to vote on May 1 is April 16. Application forms can be obtained from the council's electoral services on 01727 819291 or 819294.

The current make-up of the council is LibDems 29, Conservatives 19, Labour eight and Independents two.