YVONNE Bancroft has won a seat on Knutsford Town Council after polling more than half of the votes cast.

The chairman of Knutsford in Bloom stood as an independent candidate for Over Ward in the by-election on Thursday.

She attracted 368 votes in an election which was called after the resignation of Conservative councillor Bernadette Emmett in December.

Conservative Paul Hamilton polled 258 votes, and UKIP challenger Gerald Norden gained 100 votes.

A spokesman for Knutsford Town Council said the turnout was 17.9 per cent.

Yvonne, who has run the bloom group since 2009, said the result was a ‘fantastic surprise’.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to go out and vote for me, and would also like to thank my husband, friends and neighbours who have been so helpful and supportive.

“I think my message to the voters that I genuinely want to hear from residents in Knutsford and Over Ward in particular struck a chord.

“Many of the people I spoke to at the door and on the phone were disappointed that having taken the time to write, e-mail or phone with their concerns to councillors and officials, they received no acknowledgement of their communication at all.

“This does not surprise me. Many letters have been published in the Knutsford Guardian on this matter over the years, and it has also happened to me. We are all busy people, but this is no excuse.”

Yvonne, who during her career has worked for HM Customs and as a career advisor, said she had the skills to stand her in good stead for the challenges ahead.

“Cheshire East Council delivers some excellent services such as rubbish collection and recycling, Streetscape’s work for example grass cutting,” she said.

“However, we are all utterly depressed with the state of our roads and pavements, the vast quantity of street sign clutter that detract from the town, the banners and signs popping up around the town in the most dangerous of places, the deformed island barriers, the lack of adequate, timely and appropriate consultation on our services and major decisions affecting the town.

“I may be a new Knutsford town councillor, but will, with the help of my fellow town councillors, ensure to seek the best possible standard of service delivery from Cheshire East Council.”

To contact Yvonne e-mail yvonne.bancroft@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or phone 01565 631833 and leave a message if she is not there.