A NEWLY-ELECTED Shropshire councillor for Oswestry has hailed the role of current town mayor Councillor Duncan Kerr in his success.

Cllr Mike Isherwood, who is chairman of the planning committee at Oswestry Town Council, joined his Green Party colleague in winning at the Shropshire local elections.

Cllr Isherwood took the Oswestry West seat comfortably, with 548 votes compared to Conservative candidate Les Maguire (367) and 106 for Labour's Neil Sanderson.

And he credited Cllr Kerr's drive in putting more Green candidates out into the public eye for his success on Saturday.

"It's Duncan, " he said.

"In just a few short years he has got five of us on the town council four years ago and now at least two Shropshire councillors.

"He has worked incredibly hard and he has inspired a lot of people to come forward and be the change they want to see.

"Me standing here is as a direct result of Duncan supporting me and pushing me.

"In broader terms people want to see change. They want things done differently and they have found that the green message is appealing.

"It's something they want to see put into action, whether that's on climate change or social issues.

"We are really positive and confident about our future as a town and we all just want to really put our hearts and souls into making Oswestry greener, cleaner and a great place for everyone to live in."

Meanwhile, Cllr Vince Hunt, who vacated the seat to contest Llanymynech, won his ward comfortably with 601 votes.

Cllr Steve Davenport, who may now be a candidate to lead the Council following Peter Nutting's shock defeat in Copthorne, was re-elected in St Martins where he beat Natalie Rowley (Labour) by 198 votes.

Mr Davenport said: "I am very happy to be re-elected for St Martin's, Dudleston and Dudleston Heath.

"I want to thank all the people in my ward for re-electing me."

However, he was highways portfolio holder in Mr Nutting's cabinet and added that he would like to continue in that role.

In St Oswald, Cllr Joyce Barrow held onto her seat where she beat Oswestry town councillor Rosie Radford – Green Party – by 221 votes.

Mrs Barrow said: "I'm absolutely delighted and I am looking forward to continuing to help residents in my area.

"I would like to thank the people who voted for me and supported me."