RYEDALE District Council, one of the smallest in England, but covering a large geographical area, is to see its number of councillors increase by seven to 30 from next May as a result of changes brought about by the Boundary Commission.

Political groups are now searching for candidates to fight the elections for the new-look council.

But already leaders of the groups are predicting that, as now, Ryedale will not have a council with an overall political majority.

Councillor Keith Knaggs, leader of the Conservative group, said his members had strongly opposed the increase in size of the council. "As a result the extra seven councillors will cost the council tax payers £33,000 a year," he said.

On the likely future make-up of RDC after next May's elections, Coun Knaggs thought the Conservatives would still be the largest group and that the Liberal Democrats could win some additional seats.

Councillor Keith Orrell, leader of the Liberal Democrats said a 30-seat council had been recommended by the Boundary Commission.

In theory Ryedale residents will have improved representation on the council with more members but encouraging people to stand as candidates was a problem facing all parties at both national and local level.

Councillor Gary Hobbs the authority's only Labour member hopes to have some colleagues after next May.

He said Ryedale was the only council in the country with less than 30 members.

Councillor Alan Farnaby, the leader of the council and of the Independent group, forecast that the authority would become more political after the May elections.