THE LIBERAL Democrats picked up an extra seat in Malvern but Worcestershire County Council is now under the control of the Conservatives.

Lib Dem Clive Smith took the Link ward seat previously held by Conservative retiree Beryl Hickling, giving his party five of the eight seats in the Malvern Hills division.

Among the new faces is Liberal Democrat Penelope Morgan, who won the Langlands seat previously held by retiree Jennette Davy.

She said: "I've always been politically aware and it's always been my ambition to get into politics. I intend now to do my best, especially for the young and the elderly of my division."

The turnout of 69.96 per cent was up on 2001's 68.12. Powick had the best individual turnout, with 75.70 per cent.

The Conservatives took overall control after winning four extra seats, holding 29 of the 57 seats at County Hall.

The results were announced on Friday (May 6).

Trinity

Jeremy Webb (Lib Dem), 1,778 (elected); Richard Weatherill (Con), 1,185; John Raine (Green), 606; John Wilcox (Ind), 405.

Powick

Tom Wells (Lib Dem), 3,621 (elected); Michael Morgan (Con), 1,772; Dennis Nightingale-Smith (Green), 266.

Croome

Robert Bullock (Con), 2,566 (elected); Neville Mills (Lib Dem), 1,873; Wendy Hands (Green), 493.

Langland

Penelope Morgan (Lib Dem), 2,153 (elected); David Watkins (Con), 1,459; John Phillips (Green), 437; David Soley (Ind), 283.

Link

Clive Smith (Lib Dem), 2,197 (elected); Annette Savage (Con), 2,034; Paul Tuthill (Ind), 532; Elizabeth Singh (Green), 466.

Chase

Diane Rayner (Lib Dem), 2,498 (elected); Phillip Grove (Con), 2,228; Malcolm Victory (Green), 575.