THE Conservative Party claimed victory in Wiltshire Council's Melksham Without South Ward by-election last Thursday.

Tory candidate Nick Holder polled 593 votes to beat the Liberal Democrat candidate Vanessa Fiorelli with 388 votes.

Miss Fiorelli is already a Melksham town councillor and was bidding to represent Bowerhill, Berryfield, The Spa and Redstocks.

She lost the unitary by-election by 205 votes. The turn-out was only 24.78 per cent.

Afterwards, Cllr Allison Bucknell, from Lyneham, the Wiltshire Cabinet member for leisure services, congratulated Mr Holder, saying "Absolutely the best candidate won today.

"You will really stick up for Melksham Without. Looking forward to working with you.

Miss Fiorelli responded: "Very arguable. I guess we shall see over the next 18 months."

The by-election followed the resignation of Cllr Roy While due to ill health.