RESIDENTS of Milton and Tamarside have a new Torridge district councillor after a by-election was held to replace Kit Hepple, who stepped down from the authority.

Voters took to the polls to cast their vote, with former Holsworthy mayor Nigel Kenneally, representing the Liberal Democrats being the winning candidate.

Mr Kenneally becomes the eleventh Liberal Democrat councillor on Torridge District Council, equalling the number of seats held by the Independent group.

He achieved 37.5 per cent of the vote, while Reform UK came in second with 31 per cent and the Conservatives’ third with 17 per cent.

Mr Kenneally said: “I am very proud and honoured to have been elected as District councillor for Milton and Tamarside. I would like to thank the Lib Dem team without whose help and effort I wouldn't have been elected. I promise I will fight for every constituent of the ward and give 100 per cent for the residents of Milton and Tamarside.

“There is a lot to do so I intend to get straight to work. Issues at the top of the community’s mind include the impending proposals for an obscenely large solar farm, known as Beacon Solar, which I will be vigorously opposing. “Another issue I intend to address as a matter of priority is to get clarification over the the £7.3-million investment to create the Holsworthy agri-business centre, and do what I can to see it over the line.”

Teresa Tinsley, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Torridge District Council, added: “Nigel will be a great representative for Milton and Tamarside. Everyone knows how genuine and helpful he is. Even on election day, he had to break off door-knocking to go and support a neighbour in trouble. Having Nigel on the council with us will make a real difference to what we can achieve for residents.’