BNP close but no cigar (From Stourbridge News)

BNP close but no cigar

11:29am Friday 4th May 2007 in Local

THERE were no election night shocks from Brierley Hill voters despite speculation minority parties could spring a surprise.

The BNP came close in Brockmoor and Pensnett, finishing second to Labour's Karen Jordan by just 174 votes from the 2873 cast.

BNP candidate Julian Mitchell, said: "It was very close, I think the people of Brockmoor and Pensnett sent out strong messages, I will continue to stand until I win, it was a very encouraging."

Voters in Kingswinford North and Wall Heath continued their support for the Liberal Democrats by returning Dave Tyler and David Lavender after a recount.

This year voters faced the unusual situation of selecting two councillors for the ward after the sudden resignation of Richard Burt prior to polling day.

In Brierley Hill, Labour's Rachel Harris retained her seat with a 43 per share of the vote despite a low turnout in the ward.

Tory cabinet member Peter Miller romped home in Kingswinford South, grabbing 1831 votes, more than twice as many as nearest rival, Labour's Stephen Haycock.

Blue was also the colour in Wordsley where Ena Blood, wife of councillor David Blood, collected a 39 per cent share of the vote to keep the seat for the Tories.

Labour maintained their compete control in the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood ward with Tina While-Cooper beating former Conservative councillor David Vickers by 346.

Tina said she was "over the moon" about the win.