PARTY politics should take a backseat in Chippenham and any decisions be made for the good of the town, according to Conservative councillor Peter Hutton.

The political landscape of the town council has changed following the local elections last Friday, with the Conservatives gaining an extra seat to take their numbers up to 11.

The Liberal Democrats lost two seats and have eight remaining councillors while there is an extra Independent from the previous four years, taking their numbers to five.

“I’m pleased with the results that the Conservatives have the largest number on the council and from a personal point of view as well to get re-elected,” said Coun Hutton, who retained his town and unitary seat for Cepen Park and Derriads.

“The main thing is these next four years are going to be very crucial for Chippenham, there’s lots of development and opportunity but we have to see a benefit for new people and the existing community.

“You want to see the benefit for the town irrespective of party politics, that’s what I want to see over the next four years.

“You’ve got new people in from all sides and new people coming in with fresh ideas.”

Holly Bradfield, 19, has become one of the youngest town councillors to be elected in Wiltshire and will represent the people of Hardens and England.

“One of my pledges is to get more redevelopment in the town and I want to bring new ideas, everyone has more experience than me but I know how teenagers think,” said the Conservative member.

For the Liberal Democrats, Desna Allen retained her town seat for Queens and Sheldon, despite losing her unitary role but current mayor, Terry Gibson, and wife Sylvia lost their seats.

Lib Dem David Powell, who was re-elected for Hardenhuish, said: “I don’t want to see that we lose our high standards and I want us to continue providing really good facilities for the Chippenham people.”

The three seats in Monkton were all claimed by Independent councillors, with Coun Nick Murry believing issues surrounding Rawlings Green being a key concern for residents. He said: “People are backing independents because they want people who are going to stand up for their interests.

“We’re here to represent the people, not just any parties.”

Raj Gill, also an Independent in Monkton, said: “We can have a say, we had four before and still had a voice and now we have five so we are growing.”