THE Liberal Democrats swept up at the unitary elections in Bradford on Avon and Melksham on Friday, winning all five of the seats on offer in the two towns.

In Melksham Central, Hayley Spencer caused an upset by being elected with 481 votes ahead of Conservative Mike Swanton, UKIP David Pollitt, Labour's Paul Grainger and Independent Martin Pain, while Pat Aves and Jon Hubbard retained their seats in Melksham North and Melksham South respectively, meaning all three of the town’s seats on Wiltshire Council will be held by Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Hubbard said: “I’m so proud that I will be one of three Liberal Democrat councillors representing Melksham on Wiltshire Council for the next four years.

“Our focus was on Melksham in the build-up to the elections and I’m over the moon with the results. It was a fantastic result for Hayley and I couldn’t be happier for her.

“It is clear that the announcement of the General Election has had an impact on the local elections. We have made gains in some areas but sadly have lost some seats too.

“However, I think the fightback is on and we will continue to move forward."

Cllr Spencer said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed.

“I didn’t want to get my hopes up before today but all of our volunteers have worked so hard so I think we really deserved it.

“We really tried to tap into the youth vote and did a lot of work on social media which I think helped.

“I have a big list of things I'd like to do and I can’t wait to get started. Melksham is a fantastic town and there’s so much we can do to improve.”

In Bradford on Avon, Jim Lynch was elected in Bradford on Avon North with 1,262 votes, beating Pam Hyde from the Conservatives, who received 850 votes, and in Bradford on Avon South Sarah Gibson received 1,197 votes, beating Clive Hilton from the Conservatives and Rosie McGregor from Labour, who received 724 and 224 votes respectively.

Cllr Lynch said: “I’m really pleased and privileged to have won.

“I’ve worked in the town for a few decades and I hope to be a face of good that the people can trust. I look forward to serving for the people of Bradford on Avon.”

In Melksham Without North, Independent Terry Chivers lost out to Conservative Phil Alford and Conservative Roy While took Melksham Without South, beating Paul Carter from UKIP, Ryan Clarke from the Liberal Democrats and Independent Steve Petty.