A 30-year-old has helped the Tories to take another key battleground the St Philip ward in Upper Stratton.

In a long fought battle that stretched into the early hours of the morning following a recount, new councillor Philip Sharp knocked out long-time activist and party stalwart Teresa Page, Labour's transport and environment spokeswoman and deputy mayor-elect.

The extra 91 votes gained by Coun Sharp means that Teresa Page will not now be able to take up her role as deputy mayor.

Talking after a long a nailbiting evening, Coun Sharp said he had mixed feelings about why a recount had been called, but said he was delighted that he had been chosen to represent the community.

"It has been very hard work getting to this point but me and my team have been campaigning since September last year on the key issues in the area," he said.

"Many people in the St Philip area have been concerned about the increases in council tax over the past year.

"This is not a town of stock-brokers."

In recent years, the Tories have accused Labour of pushing through high parish precept levels for Stratton Parish Council, giving the residents of the ward some of the highest council tax in the borough, something that Coun Sharp hopes to address.

Another is the problem of crime and anti-social behaviour, which he hopes to do by liasing with the local police as his main starting point.

Teresa Page was a hard-working councillor and Labour will be sad to see her go.

She recently scored a success when she helped close a playground that had become a haven for unruly youths.

Jefferies Avenue, in the Headlands area of Swindon, had become a no-go area for young children because of anti-social behaviour.

The problems included underage drinking, drug abuse, sexual activity, swearing, motorcycles using the area and glass bottles being thrown.

Teresa Page backed the residents and the playground was eventually closed.