MEMBERS of the Green Party in the Stroud District were celebrating over the weekend following a successful election campaign.

The party secured its highest ever vote and won three new seats on the council.

Despite losing one seat (Stroud Central), the party gained in Coaley and Uley, Wotton-under-Edge and Nailsworth.

In doing so, the party maintained its position as the council’s third largest with eight seats, behind the Conservatives and Labour.

Re-elected Thrupp Green councillor Martin Whiteside said: “It is fantastic to see elected Green councillors spread out from our existing Stroud Valleys power base to Nailsworth, Coaley and Uley, and Wotton-under-Edge.

“Our positive message of hope with hard working councillors, protecting our wonderful countryside and working to create a more equal society in the face of austerity, obviously struck a chord with many voters.”

Catherine Braun, elected councillor in Wotton-under-Edge, said: “I’m delighted to be elected as the first Green councillor for our ward and look forward to engaging with all community groups and residents to champion local issues.”

In Coaley and Uley, Jim Dewey overcame narrow defeat last time the seat was up for election to oust Conservative Tim Boxall.

Speaking after the election, he said: “I will actively work with local communities to implement 20mph limits and make our roads shared spaces and safer for all.

“I will continue to oppose the way this government has overridden local democracy to build an incinerator at Javelin Park, Stonehouse, and I will work to keep our villages as beautiful places for all to enjoy.”

The longest-serving councillor of any party in Stroud District Council, John Marjoram, said he was looking forward to continuing working in partnership with Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors.

He said: “having been so often in opposition in the past, it is great to get back with an increased number of councillors, and we hope to work with both Labour and the Liberal Democrats, to positively create a better future for the people who live in this district.”