Alan reveals that he likes to plant palm trees

The Totton Councillor has decided to abandon the District Council less than 12 months before his term of office was due to end.

This leaves only one Conservative Councillor representing the party on the District Council anywhere in Totton and the whole of the Waterside.

The move has sparked a by-election for the Totton West seat. The election is to take place on Thursday 20th July. Should the Liberal Democrats win the seat, the Tory majority on the District Council will be reduced to just two seats.

Councillor Hibbert has declined to comment on his reasons for leaving the District Council so suddenly. The official reason given is "health reasons". However, the hard working Councillor Hibbert has every intention of continuing as a member of Totton & Eling Town Council, (Lib Dem controlled for 20 years).

The Lib Dems have already swung into action, selecting Councillor Len Harris as the prospective candidate for the by-election and appointing Alan Weeks as Agent. Literature is now being delivered and canvassing will start soon.

Councillor Len Harris says "There is a strong feeling that the Conservatives have badly let down Totton on a range of issues, including failure to deliver town centre improvements, imposing car parking charges and neglecting to get to grips with anti-social behaviour problems. This election will give local people a chance to send a clear message to the District Council that Totton deserves better".