Richard Mayo swept to victory in the Hereford County and Ross Town Council by-election, last night. The result means that the Conservatives retain Gordon Lucas' seat on Ross Town Council and the majority at Hereford Council.

In the Town Council vote, Richard Mayo received 678 votes, while the Lib Dems candidate, Caroline Bennett, received 337. There were 28 spoiled votes in an election turnout of 26.7%.

Richard Mayo won the County Council election after receiving 695 votes. Independent candidate David Ravenscroft came second with 312 votes, and in third place was Caroline Bennett (Lib Dem) who received 270 votes. There were 3 spoiled votes in the County election, with an overall turnout of 28.9%.

Initial feedback from local councillors, who were at the count last night, expressed disappointment at the turnout.

For the full story, and reaction from around Ross-on-Wye, see next week's Ross Gazette, out next Wednesday.