2nd March 2010

LYME REGIS: Daryl returns

No contest for town council vacancy

by Philip Evans

DISTRICT councillor Daryl Turner is about to make a shock return to the town council chamber - but he will not have to go to the polls.

Councillor Turner, one of Lyme’s two West Dorset councillors, stood down from the town council two years ago, creating a by-election, because he did not feel he could serve both authorities.

But his name was the only one put forward for the vacancy created by the recent death of Dr Spencer Hogg.

Councillor Turner will now rejoin the town council before March 25th, the date fixed for a by-election had there been another candidate.

It was rumoured that a number of residents were planning to stand at the by-election but in the end Councillor Turner’s was the only nomination.

It’s not the first time Councillor Turner has surprised the electorate of Lyme Regis.

He fought the district council elections as a Liberal Democrat and with Pat Hicks ousted Lyme’s two long standing West Dorset councillors - Ken Meech and Owen Lovell.

Councillor Turner, a no-nonsense debater who is not afraid of rattling a few cages when necessary, resigned from the Lib Dems, disallusioned with their policies and joined the Conservatives.

Councillor Turner declined to make a comment on his change of heart concerning serving on both councils but said he intended to make a statement at his first meeting.

Town clerk Mike Lewis said Councillor Turner would be able to make his declaration of acceptance as soon as a notice had been posted stating their would be no by-election on March 25th.

During his spell as a town councillor Mr Turner championed the cause of young people in the town and as a father of young children and the controversy raging over the re-opening of the club for young epople in Church Street, it may well be this which has made him seek a seat on the town council again.

PICTURE: BACK IN THE GUILDHALL - Councillor Daryl Turner who is returning to the town council chamber, being the only nomination for the by-election

LYME REGIS: Daryl returns

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