Rossendale election results: Conservative strengthen control

12:26pm Friday 2nd May 2008

Comments (5)   Have your say »

By Helen Korn »

THE Tories re-asserted their grip on power in Rossendale by gaining three seats.

It was a return to form after a turbulent time for the party which has seen three of its group leave since last September, including former leader Duncan Ruddick who became an independent.

Council leader Tony Swain said he was delighted with the election result which saw new faces Hazel Steen, Peter Evans and David Stansfield joining the group.

Cabinet members Judith Driver and Janet Graham also retained their seats.

Liberal Democrats were celebrating after gaining a seat in Whitewell ward, while Labour lost two of three seats with long-serving councillor, Tina Durkin of Irwell ward and Coun Amanda Hewlett from Hareholme losing out to Conservatives.

Coun Swain said: "We are back to a position of strength. We've now got 21 councillors. Now there will be two years of improve-ments. We've already gone from poor to good in the audit commission ratings and we need to get better.

"There are good things happening here. We'll be focusing on improving Raw-tenstall centre, developing the new health hub and the bus depot.

"We've proved that we are the right people to take this area forward.

"Liberal Democrats might have gained a seat but we are still in power now and we'll be making the decisions in this council."

Coun Durkin said: "I am disappointed but this is democracy and that's what happens. The Labour party is losing seats because of Gordon Brown but I will stand again."

Labour leader Alyson Barnes said: "Some of the figures were very close and I would like to thank the residents who supported us."

Lib Dems leader Catherine Pilling said: "As far as we are concerned, we are moving onwards and definitely upwards."