LABOUR has gained a seat in the Bedlinog and Trelewis ward on Merthyr Tydfil Council following a by-election victory.
Gill Preston was elected as the new councillor for the ward following the election held on Thursday, September 5.
She won 411 votes and Megan Drozd, independent, finished second with 314 votes. Naomi Hughes of Plaid Cymru got 83 votes, Edward Dawson of the Conservatives got 24 and Richard Searl, independent, got 11. The turnout was 28%.
The by-election was held after the previous independent councillor Malcolm Colbran decided to stand down for personal reasons.
Gill Preston, the winning candidate for Labour, said: “I am incredibly proud and honoured to represent the communities where I was born and have lived all my life.
“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly and I am committed to work tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of our residents.
“As an elected representative, I am committed to be a strong advocate and will provide regular updates on local issues.
“I plan to work closely with local police to increase patrols in areas prone to anti-social behaviour.
“I will hold regular advice surgeries to listen to residents concerns and ensure I am available to respond to them.
“I look forward to working with community leaders and local organisations and residents to make our communities a better place for everyone. Together we can achieve great things.”
