New Knutsford councillors raring to go after election victory

Two seats were up for grabs on Knutsford Town Council in the Bexton and Nether wards respectively.

With 379 votes, independent Scott Lowe was victorious in the Nether ward, defeating Conservative Annie Greer (319 votes) and Liberal Democrat Bill Tegner (162 votes).

For the Bexton ward, Conservative Millie Morris secured 422 votes, narrowly beating Liberal Democrat candidate Rosalind Hobson, who received 394 votes.

Scott, who has grown up in the town, was delighted with the result and is ready 'to throw himself in at the deep end'.

Verification taking place at Macclesfield Leisure Centre

"It's been a crazy 24 hours to be honest," he said. "I'm not a politician, I'm a Knutsford resident, born and bred.

"I'm just massively grateful to everyone who voted for me. I've had so many emails and messages wishing me support, it's just been really nice.

"It means a lot to me as I grew up here, went to school here, I live here with my family, I work here – all in the Nether ward.

"To me, it means a lot more than it would perhaps to a career politician."

Scott stood for election to give something back to his home town and in his new role, he wants to help people understand the work of the town council.

He added: "Being realistic, I can't change the world, but I can help people understand we can't do everything.

"One thing I've learned during the last six months is the town council has very little power, but it does have an ability to influence other people and other groups to do what they can for Knutsford and this is something I'd like to focus on.

"I'm very happy and very appreciative of everyone who went out and voted. It was a really high turnout for just one seat."

An equally delighted Millie is eager to get started on sorting out issues in the area following her victory.

She said: “I am delighted to have been voted as your councillor for the Bexton ward of Knutsford Town Council.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for voting for me.

"I will be picking up the baton from Councillor Barbara Hamilton-Coan.

"I hope to carry on her amazing legacy and to do her, her family and all of Bexton ward proud.

"I am local, I am raring to go and I am hoping to sort out many local issues including, but not limited to, getting Bexton Court used as a much-needed community resource again.

"I'd like to ensure the maintenance of our trees (the start to environmental soundness and improvement) as well as looking at litter management, increased public bins in our ward and of course, potholes.

"I’m hoping to ensure that Knutsford obtains its fair share of road resources from Cheshire East Council (CEC) so that our roads in the town are safer for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

"Whilst this is not strictly a town council matter, I will work with councillors Tony Dean and Stewart Gardiner to support their efforts in lobbying CEC and fighting to improve our roads.

"Cheshire East Council cannot be allowed to increase our taxes and then reduce their services.

"I’m looking forward to representing you now and in the future."

While voting took place on Thursday, May 6, the count for town and parish council elections in Cheshire East took place on Sunday, May 9.