LABOUR has lost overall control of South Ribble after a disappointing night in the local elections.

It lost six seats on the night - losing some influential councillors, including the deputy party leader, in the process.

The Conservatives gained two seats, while the Liberal Democrats won an extra three, and a third Idle Toad independent managed to snatch a seat.

Among the shocks of the evening was defeat for deputy council leader David Wooldridge, who came seventh out of eight in the Farington poll, which chose three councillors.

Labour stalwarts Fred Heyworth and David Wooldridge lost out to Mark Alock, Judith England and Christine Harrison, all member of the Liberal Democrats Focus Team.

Labour also lost three seats to the Conservatives in Lostock Hall as well as one seat in Much Hoole, while the Conservatives lost two councillors in Howick. Idle Toad independent Warren Bennett beat Labour's Betty Greenland to make it an Idle Toad hat trick in All Saints.

They could now hold the balance of power in the Civic Centre.

Coun Dorothy Stewart, who has 25 years service on the council, was beaten by the Liberal Democrats, along with Ron Smith. Coun Stewart stormed out of the counting hall as the result was announced.

But Labour did gain some seats, taking one seat in Leyland central and one in Leyland St Mary's.

Council leader Gina Lewis said: "In terms of the overall result, it was what we expected.

"I am bitterly disappointed to lose some of the councillors but I feel they have been the victims of dirty tricks, particularly in certain wards, where the Liberal Democrats have been less than fair.

"That isn't sour grapes. It is fact.

"Although we have lost overall control I feel it is still workable because we are obliged to work more closely with the other parties under our modernisation programme."

Lib Dem leader Neva Orrell dismissed Coun Lewis' claims as 'total bosh.'

She said: "We have fought a hard fight and deserve to win. We are the only party which works all year round and tells the public what is going on."

Coun Jim Breakell, leader of the Conservatives, said: "It was quite disappointing. We didn't win where we should have done because the middle of the road vote went Liberal.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.