THE British National Party are now in control of Heybridge Parish Council after winning two seats in a by-election.

In the by-election for Heybridge East Ward held last week, Ashley Jones and Trevor Cable were elected as councillors with 63 per cent of the vote.

Incumbent Conservative Maldon district councillor Anne Beale lost out in the vote on October 20, with 121 votes.

Mr Cable received 215 votes and Mr Jones received 219. There was a 12.87 per cent turn out.

Other candidates included Bernard Anthony Hall with 74 votes, and John Harrison with 55 votes. There were two spoiled ballots.

The councillors are under the bannerhead for the activist group “Fighting Unsustainable Housing Because We Care” which is funded by the BNP. The group now have six representatives on Heybridge Parish Council.

Richard Perry, BNP member and spokesman for Fighting Unsustainable Housing Because We Care, said: “It was a very good victory, and we were all very happy indeed. Our rival Anne Beale has now been beaten several times, and this shows that the public are getting on board with our message.

“We’re going to continue fighting the unsustainable housing developments planned for Heybridge. It always seems to be landed with the biggest developments when the council know full well that it’s an area which floods a great deal.

“We’ve been talking to many people around Heybridge about this and we’ve had so much support, and the fact that we now have six councillors in the parish proves the people are wanting change and fed up with the planned developments.”

Mr Perry says the fighting unsustainable housing campaign will continue across Maldon, and they plan to stand in an upcoming by-election for Heybridge West Ward.

Whilst they are BNP-funded, they will not be pushing the far right group's political views and will focus on housing issues. 

They welcome anyone who wishes to get involved to support the campaign.

He added: “We will continue to push against plans for more travelers sights, and will continue to oppose the plans for the new Heybridge Swifts football ground on Goldhanger Road.

“Matters like this and the local development plan are so important to residents, everyone is welcome to join us and campaign for sustainable housing in Heybridge.”

Fighting Unsustainable Housing Because We Care can be contacted via their Facebook page here.