CONTROL of RIBBLE VALLEY Council was a hair's breath away from being decided on the toss of a coin.

Liberal Democrat Paul Adnitt was elected to Clitheroe's Grammar School ward by only one vote after a nail-biting four recounts.

His election gave the Liberal Democrats 18 seats on the council, with the Conservatives holding 19 and Independents two.

Control of the council now lies in the hands of Longridge Mayor Jim Rogerson and Chipping's Doreen Bailey, the two Independents. They could show their hands next week when committee chairmanships are decided at the council's first meeting. Both were keeping tight-lipped over who they would back.

Liberal Democrat leader Howel Jones praised election staff for their professionalism under tremendous pressure during the recounts.

He said: "Elections in 1995 ended on a knife-edge, when there was a hung council and lone Labour man Bert Jones holding the balance of power.

"Now we have another cliffhanger, with control of the council depending on the two Independents."

Paul Adnitt, head teacher of Clitheroe's St James' Primary School, beat Tory rival Robert Lightfoot by 632 votes to 631.

"I knew it would be close, but not that close," he said after his victory was announced. "I'm lost for words and all I want now is a pint,"

Whalley renegade Liberal Democrat Arthur Pearson said he was absolutely delighted to have been elected following his defection to the Tories last month.

He was elected alongside Tory stalwart Joyce Holgate at the expense of the borough's first disabled candidate Wendy Hollin and Billington therapist Fran Burgess.

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