May I, through your letters page, thank the voters of the Westham West ward for electing me to be their new Borough Councillor? It was a closely fought contest and, given the number of votes for the other two candidates, I acknowledge the need for me to work hard on behalf of all the residents, not just those who voted for me.

I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessor as ward councillor, Lucy Hamilton who sadly was not elected to represent her "home" ward of Wyke Regis. Lucy could very easily have chosen to stand again in Westham West, and would most likely have been re-elected. It is much to her credit that she took a principled decision to stand in the ward where she lives instead. Lucy has been a very committed, dedicated and hard working local councillor, and I have really enjoyed having her as a colleague for the last four years. The Council will be a poorer place without her passion and commitment and I hope it will not be too long before she is able to return.

Andy Blackwood

Marina Gardens

Weymouth