THE Conservatives have gained a seat on Bridport Town Council following last week’s by-election.

The contest for the south ward was won by Cllr Derek Bussell.

Cllr Bussell said he is looking forward to getting stuck in to the role.

County, District and Bridport Town Councillor Keith Day congratulated Derek on his win. He added that Derek will be a ‘great asset’ to the Town Council with his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Following the announcement of his election, Cllr Bussell thanked everyone that had contributed to his successful election – especially his wife Christine who had supported him throughout the campaign, Cllr Day for his support and Conservative agent for Dorset Antony Stanley.

He also thanked the WDDC electoral services staff and then went on to praise the other candidates for a good contest.

Cllr Bussell was born in Bristol and moved to Bridport in 1993 whilst working for Normalair Garrett (NGL) in Yeovil. After leaving NGL, he set up an electrical engineering company in Bridport employing local people including apprentices. He is now retired and said he has been ‘itching’ to get into local politics.

Regarding Vearse Farm, currently one of the biggest issues of the town, he said that while he accepts change is inevitable, he would have wished it to be at a ‘more sedate pace and scope’ to what is being proposed.

He added: “I believe we need to accept this development of Verse Farm will happen and therefore focus our energies into ensuring all the promises made within this scheme are adhered too.”

And on South Street, he said the proposal is ‘a nice idea, but not at this location’. A poll showed business and the vast majority of local people are against it.

Cllr Bussell said: “The local council is there to serve the needs of the local people. So how can this proposal possibly proceed? It cannot.”

He added: “A pedestrian area, complete with outside seating, street entertainment, restaurants/bistros, shops is a nice idea, so why not consider planning such areas in the new building developments that are proposed for Bridport? St Michaels for example.”

The full result was:
Derek Bussell (Conservative) 289
Nick Boothroyd (Labour) 170
Max Hoyt (Liberal-Democrat) 137
Andy Jefferies (Green Party) 92 

The count was conducted at the Youth Centre, Bridport.