A NEW political group has been formed on West Wiltshire District Council.

Breakaway councillor Terry Chivers, who represents the Westbrook ward, which covers villages around Melksham, has formed an alliance with Conservatives.

The former Liberal Democrat chairman quit the party group earlier this year in protest at a number of policy decisions.

Last month he was furious when he was dropped from all committees and at the time he warned his former political colleagues: "Prepare for a fight."

Conservative group leader Cllr Graham Payne said: "After talks with Terry we have formed a new Conservative and Independent group.

"He will not have to toe the Tory manifesto line every time but we were concerned that such an experienced and effective councillor was left without a committee seat.

"We feel it is in the best interests of taxpayers, and the electorate in general, that we should harness this very capable and popular representative.

"We are talking to other members of the Liberal Democrat group who are getting very concerned at the way things are going."

Mr Chivers also serves on the county and Melksham without parish councils.