The stakes are high in this year's Pembrokeshire County Council elections. The last few months have seen members, departments and policies engulfed by controversy and criticism.

Voters are expected to turn out in higher numbers than usual in key wards on Thursday, June 10th, and candidates will come under considerable pressure.

There could be some spectacular tumbles over one of the most difficult election 'steeplechases' since the formation of the present council in 1996.

Noticeable by their absence are Conservative representatives. Only one has come out under the Tory banner, Francis John Elliott, of Johnston.

This means that Independents will again have the largest field of runners. And even with a big political swing it is unlikely to take away the ruling group's majority.

Council leader Maurice Hughes could be involved in a four-horse race in the Merlins Bridge ward. Standing against him is Labour's Mary Havard, who has given up her job to fight the election, former Preseli Pembrokeshire District Council treasurer Arthur Chapman, and young Plaid Cymru candidate Darren Peter.

Businesswoman and fish farmer Margot Bateman is challenging the deputy leader, John Allen Mirehouse.

Standing against cabinet member Pat Griffiths, are businessman Malcolm Calver and Labour candidate Tony Wales.

In Portfield, Haverfordwest, Peter Stock faces Plaid Cymru's Morgan Edward Hart.

But another Haverfordwest cabinet member Roy Folland has four challengers, including Wally Watson, husband of the Labour leader Joyce Watson. She herself has a three cornered fight against retired builder Dewi James, and Kristian Griffiths, Plaid Cymru.

Standing against cabinet member Brian Howells in Fishguard are Plaid Cymru's Myles Pepper and Independent Henry Jones, while Bill Hitchings of Llangwm faces John Cutting and Liberal democrat Rachel Yates.

Mike Stoddart, known to everyone as the author of the Old Grumpy column, is standing in Milford Haven's Hakin ward.

In the same ward as Plaid Cymru leader Michael Williams, in Tenby, are mayor-elect Sue Lane and John Hughes, manager of Woolworths, Haverfordwest.

Another closely-watched contest will be in the Market Ward of Pembroke Dock where Cllr Brian Hall faces town councillor Veronica Roach and Labour's Maggie Thomas.

Other interesting contests in nearby Pembroke are in St Mary North where two current councillors - Bryan Phillips and Labour's Jane Major - are opposing each other.

And in St Mary's south there are four contenders including former Labour councillor David Edwards and former council employee Rosalie Lilwall.

Also in Pembroke, Liberal democrat leader John Allen only has one opponent - Aden Brinn.