THE Conservatives have strengthened their grip on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council following a by-election in which they captured a seat previously held by the Liberal Democrats.

The vacancy arose in the St John’s ward following the resignation of Cllr Geoff Young, and was contested in a four-way fight.

Tory Brian Ransley emerged victorious with 500 votes, with Joanna Au Brey (Lib Dem) second with 390; Maurice Knights (Labour) third with 244 and Phyllis Leslie (Green Party) fourth with 66.

Turnout was a disappointingly low 25.09 per cent, and there were two spoilt papers. The Tory share of the vote rose from 38 per cent 42 per cent.

Following his victory, Cllr Ransley said: "The Conservative campaign stressed the need for tough action on vandalism, graffiti and car crime.

"I found again and again on the dorrstep that residents are fed-up with this so called petty crime. It’s time for us to defend the quality of life that Tunbridge Wells is famous for."

Cllr Ransley, a businessman, has lived in St John’s for 17 years with his wife and three children.

The political balance on the 48-seat borough council now stands at Conservatives 36, Liberal Democrats 11, Labour one.