LIBERAL Democrats are celebrating after winning the ‘safe’ Conservative stronghold on Ludlow North in the by-election for Shropshire Council following the decision of Rosanna Taylor-Smith to stand down and leave the area.

Andy Boddington topped the poll with 579 votes well ahead of the Conservative candidate Anthony Bevington (382).

The Independent Graeme Perks was third with 223 votes followed by the Labour/Co-operative hopeful Danny Sweeney with 94 votes.

In the Ludlow Town Council by-election for the Whitcliffe wards Tim Gill won with 131 votes beating Priscilla Toop (100) who failed to be re-elected to the seat from which she stood down earlier this year. Alan Stewart was third with 81 votes beating Kevin Newbold (79)