Twin Election Wins for West Wiltshire Lib Dems

1.38.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Sep 2004

Local Liberal Democrats are celebrating a double victory in both the Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon town by-elections held on 2nd September.

Cllr Duncan Hames welcomes Arthur Ransom and David Bolwell to the West Wiltshire team of Liberal Democrat councillors after their by-election victories in Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon.

Lib Dem candidate, Arthur Ransom, was elected to the College ward in Trowbridge and fellow Liberal Democrat, David Bolwell was elected to represent Bradford South ward on Bradford on Avon Town Council.

Speaking after the result, Cllr Arthur Ransom said:

"I'd like to thank all the people that made the effort to vote. I am delighted to be returned to the Town Council where I will do my best to further the development of Trowbridge."

In Bradford on Avon, new councillor David Bolwell said:

"I'm most grateful for the strong turnout and increased support in Bradford on Avon. I will continue to push for answers to the many issues that residents have raised with me in recent weeks, and look forward to working with my new Liberal Democrat colleagues on the Town Council."

The elections which followed the death of long-standing councillor Minna Gillham in Bradford, and resignation after a period of illness of Steve Squires in Trowbridge, follow hot on the heels of by-elections in Trowbridge and Melksham earlier this summer.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman, Cllr Duncan Hames, welcomed the results:

"Once again, voters in West Wiltshire have recognised the efforts of their local Liberal Democrat councillors and campaigners. I am confident that will be well served by both David and Arthur, and I am delighted to have them on the team. These results bring the Lib Dem tally up to 4 wins out of 4 elections in the Westbury Constituency this year. I look forward to seeing this trend continue in next year's elections as well."

Election Results in Full

Trowbridge College ward:

Arthur Ransom (Liberal Democrat) 288; Conservative 143; Green 61; Turnout 13.41%

Bradford on Avon South ward:

David Bolwell (Liberal Democrat) 510; Conservative 335; Independent 214; Turnout 30.52%