ELECTION fever hit Tenbury last week when, for the first time in 12 years, town councillors faced a full election and a steady stream of voters made their way to the Pump Rooms Polling Station.

Twelve candidates fought for 11 seats, sitting councillors George Price (597) and Pat Bradley (578) topping their nearest rivals by almost 100 votes.

New arrivals on the Town Council, Steve Bowkett, Diann Dowell, Philip Grove and John Watt, left a devastated Cllr. Margaret Austin on the side-lines. All existing members have been returned.

Elected on the toss of a coin in June 1999, during her four-year tenure in office Margaret Austin has been described as a hard-working, committed councillor who has done much for the town. The coin was used after the election produced a draw between her and Ben Bydewell.

Losing by only 27 votes, she is devastated by the town's decision not to re-elect her,

Comforted by the flowers and many cards of commiseration from local traders and supporters, she intends going for co-option at the appropriate time.

She told the Advertiser: "I am devastated and upset that 267 people voted for me. I can't understand it. I have only missed one meeting in four years and people are asking me who will speak up for the town now?

"I want to thank everyone who voted for me and for their support. Although I have been unsuccessful on this occasion I shall continue to look after the best interests of the community in anyway I can."

With two members short of a full council, co-option is expected, town clerk Pat Buckley said.

"At the annual meeting of Tenbury Parish Council on May 12 we will elect the new mayor, and then continue with a full meeting of the new town council. We expect to follow procedures used in previous years and advertise for people to fill the vacancies caused by lack of candidates for the St. Michael's Ward," she added.