THE Liberal Democrats have won the local by-election in Bradford on Avon with a majority of 324.

Their candidate Sarah Gibson gained the vacant town council south ward seat with 725 votes.

Pam Hyde, the Conservative Party candidate was second with 401 votes, with Paige Balas, of Ideal Bradford, third with 378 votes. The independent candidate Fee Baker came fourth with 101 votes.

A total of 1,608 people voted, with the turn-out being 39.18 per cent. Three ballot papers were rejected.

Sarah Gibson, an architect, is already the Wiltshire Council unitary member for the South Ward.

She said: “I am looking forward to the next two years. I think this result will help to improve the relationship between the town and Wiltshire Council and make it more effective.”

Cllr Laurie Brown, an independent member of the council, described the turn-out as “incredible” for a local by-election.

“It shows the people are interested in public events in this wonderful town.”

The South ward vacancy was created by the resignation of former Ideal Bradford and then independent member, Cllr Steve Plummer.

The win means there are now three Lib-Dem councillors sitting on the council.

The other two are Cllr Jim Lynch, who is also a Wiltshire Council member, and Cllr Jennie Parker.