BATTLE lines are being drawn as voters in Bury South prepare to go to the polls on June 7.

Labour's Ivan Lewis is defending a 12,381 majority after capturing the Bury South seat from the Conservatives in 1997.

Insisting every cross will count more than ever, he said: "I am proud of the Government's record. We've made a good start but there's still a lot more to do."

He claimed: "The Tory party is committed to cutting public services and returning Britain to boom and bust.

"This election offers a stark choice. Labour is committed to maintaining a strong economy and delivering record year-on-year levels of investment in the people's priorities -- schools, the NHS and the fight against crime."

Tory candidate Nicola Le Page says she has been inundated with offers of help.

She said: "I'm delighted the General Election has been called.

"Labour voters are angry and upset and people are coming back to the Conservatives. I think our chances are good and these will increase as the campaign goes on.

"Issues such as the redevelopment of inner cities, pensions and the need to make it easier for small businesses to be competitive and to cut red tape will be very important."

Flying the flag for the Liberal Democrats in Bury South is Tim Pickstone who represents the Holyrood ward on Bury Council.

"People are disappointed with Labour and continue to distrust the Conservatives," he said. "So, this election will provide an opportunity for real change in Britain.

"The message is clear. We need more investment, more quickly in services such as health, education and a better deal for pensioners.

"In Bury, we've been let down by Labour and the Tories are in disarray. Liberal Democrats are offering the voters a real chance for real change."