THE Conservatives have retained their grip on political life in Bromsgrove.

They won last Thursday's elections by the clear majority they gained in their landslide victory of four years ago.

Both Tories and Labour have virtually the same number of seats as before at Bromsgrove District Council. But the Independents, although winning only one seat, enjoyed an increased share of the vote.

The final results saw 26 Tory seats, Labour with eight, the Wythall Ratepayers with four and one Independent.

Comparisons with the last election are difficult because of boundary changes and changes in the numbers of seats in most wards.

The Ratepayers were overjoyed at increasing their numbers by one and, according to spokesman Geoff Denaro, the result may inspire them to field a candidate in the next county council election.

Bromsgrove Conservative Association chairman Peter Jarrett said he was very pleased with the result. "It is more or less the same as four years ago when we had a landslide win and I feel this reflects the electorate's satisfaction with how the council is being run and its understanding of the problems related to the Labour Government's policies on local government funding."

Group leader Councillor Dennis Norton, who had no opposition in the new town centre St John's ward, said: "I am delighted. I thought we would get 20 or 24 seats and I am especially pleased that we have a number of young councillors."

Last night (Tuesday) the Tories were due to hold their annual group meeting at which the leader was set to be elected for the coming year.

Peter McDonald, the Labour group leader, declared he was pleased with their results, especially that at Sidemoor where two Labour councillors were returned.

"Our share of the vote for each councillor has risen, which is a pat on the back for all the hard work put in by candidates and those working behind the scenes," he said.