Shropshire Liberal Democrats are celebrating a by-election victory in Shrewsbury.

Councillor Andrew Bannerman seized the Quarry and Coton Hill Division of Shropshire Council capturing a large voting swing away from the Conservatives.

The actor, writer and long-standing transport campaigner gained the seat with 356 votes – a 41 per cent margin.

Mr Bannerman said he would work on many of the issues in his election manifesto, including traffic, tourism and better facilities for young people.

“I’m delighted to have been elected to serve as councillor in a town I care passionately about,” said Mr Bannerman.

“I want to get down to the nitty gritty of what’s happening to our town. Labour are trying to suggest we are party to the way Shropshire Council are making these cuts. This is rubbish.

“A lot of these decisions are being made in a way that is very painful to Shropshire people and we do not agree, we oppose it.

“Decisions are being made by the Conservative leaders in the council and presented as a ‘fait accompli’ with no alternative. There is a Liberal Democrat alternative in Shropshire and that’s what people have voted for.”

The Conservatives got 31 per cent of votes, Labour finished third with 197 votes and an independent candidate took 30 votes.

Councillor Nigel Hartin, Shropshire Council’s opposition leader, said: “This is a very important victory after a very hard fought campaign at a time when Shropshire Council is facing very serious challenges.

“Once again voters decided to support the Liberal Democrats’ community-based approach.

“I have no doubt Andrew will be an excellent and dedicated local councillor who puts the community interest first and I am delighted to welcome him to our team today.”

Dr Charles West, Shrewsbury Parliamentary spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: “This is a great result for the Liberal Democrats in Shrewsbury.

Turnout in the election was 30 per cent.

By Sam Pinnington