IT was a win for Calne Liberal Democrat - Jeremy Percy, as the results were declared for the election of a town councillor for Calne Central Ward.
The campaign had been a two-horse race between Labour's Celia Stevens who received 334 votes and Lib Dem Jeremy Percy who clinched the win with 438 votes.
Celia told us: “I am disappointed not to have won because I felt I had experience and ideas to contribute; and I find it shocking our Town Council is now made up of 18 men and just 1 woman.
"The campaign was a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of people on their doorsteps and hear their views and concerns. Many expressed dismay at further housing coming to Calne without extra infrastructure, which neighbouring towns seem to get but not us.
"The people I met were invariably polite and friendly. I would like to thank all those who voted for me and my campaign team from Calne.
"I am hugely encouraged by the increase in the Labour vote to 43%. I will continue to work for what’s best for Calne.”
Cllr Tim Havenith said: "Congratulations to fellow Calne Liberal Democrats member Jeremy Percy upon his win at the election for Town Councillor for Calne Central Ward.
"Over the next few days, Cllr Percy will be signing his declaration of office and receiving his email address and being setup with access. This was a well-attended and close-run race. Personally, I am hoping to see Celia join the Town Council at the earliest opportunity as she would also be a great addition to the Council."
Jeremy, his wife and their collie, moved to Calne from a small-holding in west Wales. He will already be known to many through his work with the River Warriors and Friends of Marden Valley.
Jeremy told us: "Together with the Lib Dem team that put so much effort into the election process, I am obviously pleased with the result. I'm also confident that my Labour opponent Celia will come to recognise that much of what I seek to achieve in my Councillor role for the town will reflect her own intentions had she won. I am particularly pleased that I've been given the opportunity to serve and contribute to making Calne a great place to live, for everyone."
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