CONSERVATIVES made four gains in Stevenage as they moved on to nine seats overall following the local elections. Current Mayor Sue Myson was the highest profile casualty losing the Longmeadow ward as Labour ended on 27 seats with Conservatives 9 and Lib D

CONSERVATIVES made four gains in Stevenage as they moved on to nine seats overall following the local elections.

Current Mayor Sue Myson was the highest profile casualty losing the Longmeadow ward as Labour ended on 27 seats with Conservatives 9 and Lib Dems 3.

Sharon Taylor said: "Given the national situation we might have expected to do worse. Now we have to carry on doing what the people of Stevenage want.

"We will be consulting with the people of Stevenage about issues which are important to them, such as town centre redevelopment, Building Schools For The Future and neighbourhood renewal.

"I'm also looking forward to working with our new MP, Stephen McPartland, for the benefit of the town."

Conservative spokesman Graham Clark said: ''We are delighted but we expected to do well especially after such a good national showing. I was pleased that we were able to recover the Woodfield ward and take others seats from Labour. The result now means that we will have more influence on key committees and be less on the fringe. This is the third year in a row that we have made gains and is a powerful message to the people of the town.

Commenting on behalf of the Liberal Democrats Robin Parker said: 'I was very pleased that we were able to hold on to Manor ward although it is disappointing to see the Conservatives pick up so many votes in that ward, especially when they don't do any work there. Overall I am disappointed we didn't do better locally and nationally.''