Fylde voters go to polls

Conservative Mark Menzies is defending a Parliamentary majority of 13,185 and faces six challengers - Elizabeth Clarkson of the Northern Party, Bob Dennett of the Green Party, Independent Mike Hill, Freddie Van Mierlo of the Liberal Democrats, Jed Sullivan of the Labour Party and Paul White of the UK Independence Party.

Fylde has long been traditionally seen as a safe Conservative seat, with the party’s biggest majority since the constituency took on its current form in 1983 20,991 in 1992 and the smallest 8,693 in 1997.

Fracking is seen as a key issue at the election, with proposals to drill for shale gas at two sites in rural Fylde set to be discussed by Lancashire County Council planners in June.

Fylde residents are today casting their votes on all 51 seats on Fylde Council along with representatives in 15 parish and town councils across the borough.