MEET the two by-election candidates chosen to fill the seats on the Alderley Edge Parish Council.

The village electorate has spoken and Matthew Lloyd, 45, and Alan Jones, 69, will join their Conservative colleagues on the council as it moves into the Cheshire East era.

The count came in at the Festival Hall on Friday (March 27) from the election that saw a 25.94 per cent turnout and the Conservatives’ votes nearly doubled that of independent candidates Keith Lowe, 56, and Nicholas Ridings, 47, both members of the Parish Plan Steering Group.

Alan was first across the line with 602 votes with Matthew close behind with 574, and Keith and Nicholas notched up 334 and 322 votes respectively.

Tackling issues such as the development of the Festival Hall and what to do with the village youth, new boys Matthew and Alan will take a role in the village’s decision-making.

They say they want to limit disruption from the bypass, sort out parking and back parish-funded community policing.

And like the independents they defeated they say the Parish Plan, established 18 months ago to reflect the views of residents, preserve the character of the village and improve amentities, is a good place to start.

Resident of 16 years Alan, a recently-retired business consultant and manufacturing company director, who lives with wife Jean, said: "I am delighted to be elected and now it’s time to keep all the promises we have made in canvassing.

"We will work with the candidates who were not elected in furthering the Parish Plan.

"Cheshire East is a good thing for the parish council as it removes a layer and makes it easier to get things done.

"It’s a new time for all of us."

Dad of one Matthew, the managing director of an IT consultancy and Alderley resident of ten years, who lives with wife Nicola, said: "I am thrilled to be elected, Alderley Edge is a special village and I am looking forward to working with the councillors to improve the community.

"The by-election gave me the opportunity to meet residents and hear their concerns and I want to keep that up so I can be their voice.

"The parish council is the lowest level of government but an important one."

And to those who may criticise a mainly-Conservative council, Alan said: "People shouldn’t worry about this.

"If anything it’s a good thing as it stops any inter-party rivalry which can delay things."

Matthew added: "By having strong Conservative control it takes party politics out of the council and it’s good that a Conservative parish council will be working with a Conservative Cheshire East.

"It’s fitting that Conservatives should be on the parish council as we are the party that most believe in localism and I have been so impressed by the passion and energy of the councillors.

"We are all striving for a common goal and want to see the village improve."

The first job for Matthew and Alan will be to attend the parish council meeting next Monday, April 6.

Contact Matthew at matthew.lloyd@me.com and Alan at alan@ajj.demon.co.uk .