CHAPELTOWN mother-of-three Deborah Dunleavy has become the newest member of North Turton parish council.

But council chiefs are disappointed by a poor turn-out in the parish council election.

Mrs Dunleavy, aged 37, of Green Arms Road, Chapeltown, stood under the Conservative banner against Green Party candidate Graeme McIver. She received 76 votes to Mr McIver's 39, which represents a turnout of about 25 per cent.

Former financial services consultant Mrs Dunleavy said today she was delighted with the election result.

"The turnout was disappointing but I suppose the weather played a big part in that," she said. "I am now happy to take up my seat on the parish council and work for the good of our community."

Although North Turton parish council is apolitical, Mrs Dunleavy at one time went through the process of applying to become a prospective parliamentary candidate by attending a course at Conservative Central Office.

But she decided not to pursue a career in mainstream politics due to family commitments.

She said: "We were out canvassing at the beginning of the week and a lot of people seemed pleased that someone from Chapeltown was standing for the council. But the most important thing is to work with other councillors to ensure that our community remains a safe and secure place to live."