A varied ward that ranges from the nightclubs of Kingston town centre to the sailing club near Raven's Ait, Liberal Democrats have held Grove for a number of years.

The town centre's thriving night time economy and large student population have raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, and the ward suffers the borough's highest crime rate.

The ward includes the Bentall Centre, Oceana nightclub, the Rose Theatre, the headquarters of Kingston and Surrey councils, and the university and Kingston College.

Raven's Ait island, which became a thorn in the side of the council when eco-squatters invaded the island last year, was leased to Ossie Marine in April for a sailing centre.

Candidates for 2010

Adrian Amer- Conservative

Bill Bennett - Labour

Terry Bowers Conservative

Ryan Bridgwater - Green

Chrissie Hitchcock - Liberal Democrat

Denise Norman - Independent

Barry O'Mahony - Liberal Democrat

James Pirret - Conservative

Laurence South - Labour

Amanda Stuart - Labour

Marc Woodall - Liberal Democrat

WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME IN 2006?

Turnout 38.46%

BOWERS Terence William Conservative Party Candidate 881

FITZGERALD Amanda The Labour Party Candidate 231

HITCHCOCK Christine Sylvia known as CHRISSIE Liberal Democrat Focus Team 1186 ELECTED

JAMES Terry Green Party 452

MENTZ Michael Conservative Party Candidate 782

O'CONNOR Rachel Elisabeth Liberal Democrat Focus Team 1059 ELECTED

OLDROYD Margaret The Labour Party Candidate 205

RICKETTS Bart Lloyd Liberal Democrat Focus Team 1000 ELECTED

SALUSBURY David John Conservative Party Candidate 814

SOUTH Laurie The Labour Party Candidate 203

To see a rundown of who is running for Kingston Council in the other wards visit Kingston Council Elections 2010