GREENS have gained another seat on Weymouth Town Council following an election.

Green Party candidate Helen Toft has been elected as the new town councillor for the Wyke Regis ward in Weymouth.

Th election was called after the resignation of former Labour councillor Becky Blake stepped down from the post for health reasons.

Three candidates stood in the by-election in Weymouth including Helen Toft, Stephen Brown for the Labour Party and Joanna Dickenson for the Conservative Party.

There was a 25 per cent turnout for the election with 1,079 ballot papers issued.

The number of votes cast for each candidate were:

  • Helen Toft (Green) - 464
  • Joanna Dickenson (Conservative) - 381
  • Stephen Brown (Labour) - 232

New Wyke ward councillor, Cllr Toft, said: "At the beginning of June I began the journey to become a Weymouth Town Councillor. Having previously work for Weymouth BID I knew a little of the workings of the Council and have admired how much they have achieved since being formed. Being a novice to campaigning I depended very much on the organisation and advice of a team of enthusiastic local Green Party members to get me going. I owe them a great deal for my win on Thursday.

"I have lived locally for nearly 30 years and during that time was a school Governor for 10. I have a history of getting things done including solar panels on school roofs and locally produced hot school meals. I have also successfully campaigned against a mast on the school boundary and the proposed cutting of the school crossing service (lollipop people) across Dorset.

"As a Wyke Councillor I share the concerns of local people about the possible planned waste incinerator on Portland and the heavy traffic on Portland Road. I will listen to any concerns brought to me by residents and will endeavour to help with solutions. I have no fear of speaking to Dorset Council should the problem be outside the remit of the Town Council. I am passionate about how our open spaces and beaches are looked after and preserving our beautiful neighbourhood against over development."

A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council said: "Congratulations to Helen Toft who will join Weymouth Town Council representing residents living in Wyke Regis ward. The councillor vacancy arose after Becky Blake announced she was standing down from the role for health reasons earlier in the year."

Conservative councillor for Dorset Council for Littlemoor and Preston, Louis O'Leary, said: "Gaining such a tricky seat for us in this national climate was always going to be tricky despite Jo's hard work. The collapse of the Labour vote going from first to last and a lot of that going Green did it.

"It will be interesting to see people's reaction when they find out what the Greens really stand for."