CONSERVATIVES retained seats in Tidworth and Ludgershall in the Wiltshire Council elections.

The party dominated the polls across the county to claim an additional seven seats, making a total of 68 with three key victories in the south.

In Tidworth, Conservative councillor Mark Connolly fought off Labour candidate Joan Barnett to retain his seat, claiming 84 per cent (711) of the votes.

Following re-election, Cllr Connolly said: “I would like to thank all those who voted to re-elect me as their Wiltshire Councillor for Tidworth.

"It is a privilege for me to represent the town and I look forward to the challenges ahead.

“Much has changed in the town over the last few years and more changes are to come.

"I will do all I can to ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with this change.

"I will also continue to help with individuals and organisations in the town with personal and other issues.”

Conservative councillor Chris Williams, who has been the Wiltshire councillor for Ludgershall and Perham Down for the last eight years, also retained his seat with 679 (69.9 per cent) votes.

He said: “I am delighted and privileged to have been re-elected to represent the residents of Ludgershall and Perham Down at Wiltshire Council.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all who turned out on election day and voted for me and to those who helped in my campaign.

"There is still more to be achieved across the county and in our local community and I will continue to work closely with the town council, other local organisations and residents to make our community an even better place to live in.”

The Ludgershall and Perham Down seat was contested by Liberal Democrat Charles Lambert, Ukip candidate Leslie Webster and Teresa Thornton of the Green Party, who all gained around 10 per cent of the votes each.

Following the election, Green Party candidate Teresa Thornton said: “My congratulations to Chris Williams on retaining Ludgershall and Perham Down on May 4.

"Thank you to the electors of Ludgershall and Perham Down who voted for me.

“The Green candidate for the Devizes constituency in the general election on June 8 is Emma Dawnay.

"The turnout throughout the country for the local elections was disappointing.”

Just 18 per cent of those eligible turned out to vote in Tidworth and 26.5 per cent in Ludgershall and Perham Down.