THE Conservatives took overall control of Worcestershire County Council by the narrowest of margins after it gained vital extra seats at the polls.

The council had been 'hung' - no party having a majority - until yesterday's results gave the Tories 29 of 57 seats at County Hall.

This was up from 25 before the elections and, crucially, gave them just over half the places at council.

Labour also performed strongly, gaining three more seats and taking their tally to 17 as the leading opposition party.

The Liberal Democrats took a backward step, from nine to eight representatives, but the Wyre Forest-based Health Concern were big losers, slipping from six seats to just one.

Dr George Lord, Conservative group leader and county council leader was 'revelling' in the victory.

"I'm pleased with the outcome and we will simply aim to deliver the best possible services for the least possible amount of money," he said.

Labour group leader Peter Pinfield, who this week came under fire for his 'politically-restricted' job, retained his Droitwich West division and was happy with his party's gains.

"We are pleased with our performance. We've increased numbers and we have some experienced people as well as new faces on the council," he said.

"It should be an interesting four years and as long as the controlling group puts the best interests of the county first, we will support them."

Overall election turn out was 63 per cent, with the highest in Bredon, in Wychavon, with 73 per cent and the lowest in Worcester's Gorse Hill and Warndon division - 51 per cent.

Tough decisions as Roberts loses seat

COUNTY councillors must choose their third education leader in just four months after Andy Roberts proved the only major casualty at the polls in Worcester.

Liberal Democrat Susan Askin, who was standing at county level for the first time, ousted the Tory candidate and cabinet member for education from the Claines ward.

"I did not expect this," said a beaming Ms Askin, who has been a city councillor for 10 years.

"It was neck-and-neck but I think my record at city level was appreciated by voters."

Ms Askin polled 2,251 votes while Mr Roberts, who was not at yesterday's Guildhall count and was unavailable for comment, collected 1,801.

Mr Roberts was education portfolio holder for four months, after councillors voted out June Longmuir in January.

Elsewhere in the city there were few surprises, with Derek Prodger MBE, John Buckley, Robert Peachey, Mary Drinkwater, John Cairns and Richard Udall all holding their seats.

Jo Hodges, Martin Clarke and Simon Geraghty also stepped up from the city council to claim seats.

A tearful Mr Prodger, who held the Bedwardine ward for the Conservatives and is Worcestershire County Council chairman, said: "This is the best result I've ever had. I've got a passion for my city and I'm thrilled."

Labour councillor John Buckley, from Gorse Hill and Warndon, said: "Four years ago I campaigned on youth issues and it's been so rewarding. I'm looking forward to more of the same."

After recent boundary changes, Worcester has 10 electoral divisions, instead of nine previously.

The existing make up - five Conservatives and four Labour candidates - remained the same, with the tenth seat going to the Liberal Democrats.

Pinfield: There's a cloud over me

A COUNCILLOR who has been serving illegally has been re-elected with his biggest majority.

Labour group leader Peter Pinfield, pictured above, won the Droitwich West seat on Worcestershire County Council with 1,962 votes - 46 per cent of the total.

He has vowed to accept the seat, despite being in a 'politically restricted' role when he was nominated.

Coun Pinfield was given a promotion by Dudley Social Services several years ago, but did not realise until last week that it involved a conflict of interest with his local authority work.

He immediately took a demotion but could still face legal action.

"I have mixed feelings about the result," said Coun Pinfield.

"I am delighted to be elected with my biggest majority but there is this cloud hanging over me.

"I am going to accept the seat, but realise that it may not be the end."

Anyone can contest his right to take the seat and call for a bi-election, but the main opposition parties are so far keeping tight-lipped on what, if anything, they will do.

Coun Pinfield would be able to legally stand in the bi-election as he is no longer in a politically restricted job.