WEEKS of speculation over the timing of the local and general election came to an end on Tuesday, to the evident relief of local candidates.

Both the general election and the Hampshire County Council elections will take place on June 7 after being delayed because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Within hours of Tony Blair's announcement, campaign centres had sprung into action ready for the declaration of candidates yetsreday (Thursday).

Speaking from the House of Commons on Wednesday, Michael Mates MP told The Herald: "I am delighted the wait is over and the battle can begin. We can now put the issues to the people.

"I am looking forward to the next few weeks, discussing the issues with the electorate and putting across the Conservative's message about taxes, law and order and health in particular."

Liberal Democrats general election candidate, Alton man Bob Booker, welcomed the calling of the election on what turned out to be the week of his 50th birthday.

"I am delighted that the phony war is over and we can get down to serious campaigning."

Mr Booker is going into the election well prepared and confident. "We will be campaigning honestly to improve public services with real improvements in health, investment in education, big increases in pensioner incomes, an end to tutition fees and free personal care for the elderly when they need it," he said.

In East Hampshire the key issues are expected to be the proposed South Downs National Park and the urgent need to revive the rural economy.

Labour candidate Barbara Burfoot said: "I am very glad the campaign has now started and am very proud to be representing the Labour party in my home constituency.

"I believe the Labour government has been good for East Hampshire but there is a lot still to do and we will be asking the electorate to give us the opportunity to continue with the work of rebuilding the country."

However, while the general election will grab most of the headlines,it will be the county council elections which will be the most hotly contended.

Four years ago the Tories snatched control of the county council from a Lib Dem/Labour coalition after winning a number of key seats from the Lib Dems, including both Petersfield and Bramshott.

This year's election is expected to be a fierce one with the sitting councillors pleased that they can finally get their campaigns on track. County councillor for the Binsted area, John Filer (Conservative) said: "I am delighted that the election has been called. We have been waiting a long time for this."

Mr Filer was confident that the Tories would maintain control of the county council and said that he looked forward to a good campaign on all sides.

In the Alton area both Tony Barron (Lib Dem), who for the past 14 years has represented Alton, and Peter Andreae (Conservative), who has represented the Medstead and Selborne ward for a similar length of time, are both retiring. Battle lines are now being drawn up for an interesting contest with all three parties fielding strong candidates.