AN Independent was returned in the by-election for the Tavistock North ward of West Devon Borough Council at last Thursday's by-election. The seat was previously held by the Conservatives.

Independent Jeff Moody was the clear winner in a six-strong race. He polled 407 votes, more than 150 ahead of Conservative candidate Colin Rogers. The turnout was 35%.

Mr Moody, who lives in Bannawell Street, said his aim was to work for all the community: 'People have put their faith in me and I want to give them good, honest hard work. I want to be sure we have good services right across the whole field.'

Having spent seven years as a member of the Tavistock Parking Focus group, he said parking was a 'paramount issue'.

The new councillor said he was looking at the possibility of holding a monthly surgery as he was keen to engage the community in setting the agenda.

His election as an independent comes less than a year after the Conservatives took control of the borough council. 'The message coming across to me on the doorstep is that people feel local government is about good quality local services and should not be controlled by party politics,' he said.

The by-election was caused by the resignation of Conservative Darren Lake.

The full result was:

Jeff Moody (Independent) 407

Colin Rogers (Conservative) 256

Adam Bridgewater (Lib Dem) 225

Moira Brown (Labour) 125

Andrew Mudge (UKIP) 78

Daniel Worth (Independent) 57

The full make-up of the council is now: Conservatives 18 seats, Independents 10, Liberal Democrats 3.