Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Five new community councillors have been elected following a series of by-elections held last week.

As voters took to the polls to cast their votes in the Senedd Election and Police and Crime Commissioner Election, some voters were faced with an extra ballot paper, with five community council by-elections held across the borough.

Adding to the party’s election successes, Labour gained a councillor on the Lansbury ward in Van Community Council from Plaid Cymru.

Labour’s Anne Broughton-Pettit was elected after winning 136 votes, ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Monica Hughes on 98 votes.

Cllr Broughton-Pettit said: “I’m really pleased with the result and I’m grateful to the residents of Lansbury Park for their support. I want to thank everyone who supported me in every way.

“I look forward to working with the other councillors to make the improvements that Lansbury needs.”

Labour also retained its presence in both the Trethomas and Machen wards in Bedwas, Trethomas, Machen Community Council.

In Machen, Labour’s Gareth Pratt finished ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Benjamin Clark and Liberal Democrat Steve Aicheler, who also stood as a candidate for Caerphilly in the Senedd Election.

In Trethomas, Labour’s Nigel Bull was elected ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Marc Hubbard.

It means Labour now has 11 of the 12 seats on BTM Community Council, with Plaid Cymru holding one seat.

But Plaid Cymru’s maintained its grip on Llanbradach and Pwllypant Community Council, with Norma Cabble elected to represent the Llanbradach Central ward, ahead of Labour’s Rhydian Birkinshaw-Bird by 337 to 280.

In Blackwood Town Council, Independent candidate George Edwards, who is chair of the Caerphilly Taxi Drivers’ Association, won the contest to represent the Blackwood North ward, ahead of Plaid Cymru’s Jane Lancastle and Conservative Cathrine Clark.

Cllr Edwards said he was “honoured” to be elected and pledged to “engage, consult and work for all voters in partnership, regardless of their voting habits”.

He thanked Cllr Kevin Etheridge and Blackwood Town Mayor Gerwyn James for their support during his campaign and paid tribute to the candidates he stood against for election.

Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s Mandy McCarthy has been become a community councillor for the Ystrad Mynach ward on Gelligaer Community Council, having been elected uncontested.

Full by-election results

What is a community council?

Community Councils and Town Councils are one level below the County Borough Council.

In total, there are 18 community or town councils in Caerphilly County Borough.

Community and town councillors are elected by voters in the area they represent, and don’t take home a salary.

These councils are given a pot of money, generated through the council tax precept, to support projects in their local area, such as Christmas lights, flower displays and charitable causes, for example.

Community councils and town councils, while having different names, serve the same purpose.

They were formed under the Local Government Act 1972, replacing old parish councils.