Victory for Kim as Bidford remains Independent

10:23am Friday 2nd May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

THE BIDFORD and Salford ward will still be represented by an Independent councillor after Kim James swept to victory in the Stratford District Council elections.

Cllr James kept hold of his seat after receiving 903 votes on election day last Thursday (1), 185 votes ahead of his nearest rival Rona Fitzpatrick of the Liberal Democrats. She won 718 votes while Labour man Alec Brown claimed 116.

Cllr James was delighted by the victory. He said: "I am very pleased that the electorate of Bidford have maintained the ward with an independent councillor. I think this means that local issues will always be at the top of the agenda rather than a party allegiance. Local issues are very important and that has showed across the district in this election. National issues are important too but people also believe that where they live is just as important."

Votes were slightly down on the last election in 2004 when Cllr James won 997 votes, but in both contests he has been the clear front runner.

He said he plans to continue to work with Bidford, Salford Priors and Wixford Parish Councils while ensuring progress long standing issues are addressed.

Cllr James added: "I will continue to work with and support the three parish councils because I feel they make so much difference to the areas.

"I will also pursue long standing issues of insuring that progress is made on getting a new Bidford Health Centre and the redevelopment of Alcester Hospital. These issues are important to people.

"I intend to ensure the new bin collection service is delivered and residents are given every assistance with this."

Nineteen of the council's 53 seats were up for election. The conservatives increased their grip by gaining 11 seats, going up from 21 to 32, while the Liberal Democrats claimed 7, earning them 19 seats on the council, up from 12. The Independents have two seats, up from one and Labour did not win any places.