The Conservatives have retained the Trimley and Orwell Villages seat in the East Suffolk Council elections, it has been conformed this morning.

Mick Richardson won a keenly, and at times bitter, contest in a close race against Liberal Democratic opponent Michael Ninnmey, with Labour's David Rowe training in a distant third.

Former police officer Richardson took 883 votes, while Ninnmey won 800 and Rowe 230.

The election was called after Melissa Allen resigned her seat for personal reasons.

Controversial planning issues, sustainable development and local issues dominated the campaign between Richardson and Ninnmey, although the Conservative candidate had also faced accusation of not being able to exercise his own beliefs independently as he would be subject to the Tory whip, which was denied.

The two-member ward is also represented by Conservative Richard Kerry.

[I]*Send us your views by using the black Nub It button or email [email protected].[.L]