MADAM - The headlines from the Bromsgrove District Council election might have been the loss of Labour seats and the election of three Liberal Democrats but a closer look at the votes polled showed a very encouraging rise of the non-political independent candidate.

Both Hagley and Alvechurch, two of the main settlements in Bromsgrove, are Independent and in the wards where other Independents stood there was clear support for the non-political choice.

Personally speaking I’m very pleased to have polled the largest single member support across the district.

We have been given a strong mandate by the electorate who is concerned over the lack of investment in the road infrastructure across Bromsgrove, the daily congestion, poor air quality and the threat to our Greenbelt from overdevelopment in particular the threat from Birmingham’s growth.

We intend to do our very best to ensure that the political parties do listen to the will of a very large and increasing number of electorates across Bromsgrove.

Councillor Steve Colella,

Hagley West Bromsgrove District Councillor

Independent