HEALTH Concern lost overall control of Wyre Forest District Council in a dramatic election which saw a third of the seats up for grabs last night.

Having previously held 21 out of 42 seats, the party lost three seats and gained one as the votes were counted at the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre. Lynn Hyde

Former councillors Lynn Hyde (Labour) and Peter Dyke (Liberal Democrat) returned to Habberley and Blakebrook and Aggborough and Spennells respectively, having been ousted by Health Concern candidates a year ago. Peter Dyke

On a night when the Tories strengthened their position as the second best-represented party on the council by adding two seats to their existing seven, the biggest shock came when Conservative Nigel Addison ousted veteran Labour man John Wardle from his seat in Wolverley. John Wardle

It is the first time Health Concern have not increased their presence on the council since the first wave of councillors were elected in 1999. Frank Baillie

Of those, Frank Baillie and Jane Paterson failed to be re-elected. However, the party gained a seat in Oldington and Foley Park through Anne Mace. Anne Mace

The full constitution of the council is now:

Health Concern 19 (-2)

Conservative 9 (+2)

Liberal 7 (+2)

Labour 4 (-1)

Liberal Democrat 2 (-)

Independent 1 (-1)