HOLYWELL welcomes its newest councillor to represent the towns East ward.

Following a local election held in Holywell on May 23, Cllr Ian Hodge has been selected to represent his community.

The former sea captain, who represents the Welsh Conservatives, ran against Labour contender Michael Cresser Lewis-Jones

Residents were given the chance to vote at St Peters Church, on Rose Hill, where Cllr Hodge 283 votes (58.95 per cent) compared to Lewis-Jones who gathered 197 votes (41.04 per cent).

The Leader previously reported that a position had become available to serve on the town council

following the resignation of Cllr Phillip McGarry

at the monthly meeting held on March 19 citing ‘personal family commitments’.

Cllr Hodge campaigned door-to-door with leaflets and was also out and about within his community identifying issues to look into further such as the state of the roads around Pen-y-maes Gardens and also safety issues at schools in the area.

In a social media post, he said: “Thank you for all the help I have received in being elected to the council. Pat and James Corbett, Matthew Sprake, my wife who helped me with the leaflets. Emma Ward, my second mate, and Kelly Davenport who walked the streets rain and shine.

“Thank you for everyone who supported me, and even if not, I am here to help us all.

“Tomorrow is a new day, so looking forward to working with my fellow councillors, business leaders and the people of Holywell, in making our community better.”

A spokesman for the town council said: “We welcome our newly elected town councillor for the Holywell East ward, Cllr Ian Hodge, following yesterday’s election, and look forward to working with him for the benefit of the local community.”