WHAT a weekend for Knutsford Independents – it's so marvellous to see three councillors on the new Knutsford Town Council be elected by residents on the basis of them being independent of any party politics.

For Over Ward to return both Andrew Malloy and Yvonne Bancroft with such resounding backing shows just how much their efforts have been appreciated by the town, and I know the residents of Norbury Booths have, in Charlotte Greenstein, an excellent representative.

For me the results were bittersweet. I was delighted to gain the support of 2,383 voters across the town, in many Cheshire East wards that would have been more than enough to win. To receive the same number of votes as the Conservative's James Power in Nether Ward was fantastic.

To lose on the 'luck of the draw' was galling but shows why I'm not a betting woman!

I wish James the very best and trust he will power his way over the next four years to work hard for the residents of Nether Ward.

I trust he will also play a big role in the neighbourhood plan to make sure both the needs of our town centre residents and businesses are met in such a way to drive the town's economy forward and make Knutsford an even better place to live, work, and do business.

I will continue to work on such wonderful projects as the Knutsford Promenades and the Knutsford Hosts as well as being part of the Promote Knutsford Forum.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me for Cheshire East and Knutsford Town Councils. It means so much to get the support I did.

Julie Tempest