Three new town councillors will take their seats after three by-elections.

Westhoughton Town Council, will have two Liberal Democrats and one Conservative councillor.

Issues in the campaign included the provision of local services, plans for the Westhoughton Town Hall building and the status of the town’s council hub.

A statement from the Westhoughton Liberal Democrats said: “It’s fantastic news to have two local women joining the team.

The Bolton News: Alison Jackson and Linda MaherAlison Jackson and Linda Maher

“Our third candidate Ryan Hough narrowly missed out by just 31 votes, losing to the Tory candidate who has stood for election seven times.

“This was Ryan’s first time standing for election so we are super proud of his campaign!

“Thank you to everyone who supported us today.”

The by-elections were held in Westhoughton Hoskers and Hart Common, which was taken by Alison Jackson, who won 137 votes with Labour coming in second place with 90 votes, while the Conservatives, who had previously held the seat slipped to third with 89.

Westhoughton Central ward was held by Liberal Democrat candidate Linda Maher who won 276 votes, ahead of Labour with 171, the Conservatives with 129 and an independent candidate with 87.

Finally, Westhoughton White Horse was won by Conservative candidate Martin Tighe who secured 415 votes, ahead of the Liberal Democrats with 384, Labour with 208, an independent candidate with 52 and the Green Party with 21.

In all there are eighteen members on Westhoughton Town Council, which considers planning applications that will affect the area and informs Bolton Council’s planning committee what the views are of people in the area.

But it does not have the power to take decisions on these matters, and town councillors do not receive any pay or expenses for attending meetings.

The authority is also involved in civic duties and new road proposals.

The whole of Westhoughton Town Council is set to be next up for election in 2023.