THE Liberal Democrats now have an overall majority on Malvern Hills District Council following Sheila Young's victory in Thursday's Alfrick and Lulsley by-election.

The party now has 20 members, against 13 Tories, one Green and four independents.

But Lib Dem leader Tom Wells said this did not mean the council would become political.

"We have a Green and an independent portfolio holder. We want to make the best use of the talents of all our councillors and we will continue to work in this way," he said.

Coun Young polled 405, beating Tory Annette Savage by just nine votes. In third place was Elizabeth Singh (Green), who polled 91, and last Mark Starr (UKIP), who got 46. The turnout was 33.5 per cent.

The vacancy was caused by the resignation earlier this summer of independent councillor Elizabeth 'Wiz' Clift, who was elected to the seat in 2003. She previously represented the Temeside ward for six years. Ms Clift, co-owner of the Talbot at Knightwick, stepped down to pursue her interests in gardening and cookery.

At the 2003 election, Ms Clift got 574 votes and fellow Independent John Guise won the ward's other seat with 560. Candidates not elected were Annette Savage (Con) 353, Peter Davies (Con) 264 and Mark Starr (UKIP) 130.

BUSINESS consultant Richard Jackson is the newest member of Alfrick and Lulsley Parish Council.

Mr Jackson was elected at last Thursday's by-election, defeating the other candidate Christopher Benson by 134 votes to 71. He said he thought the recent dispute about affordable housing in the village was a catalyst for a high turnout of 46.5 per cent.