AN EDEN election shake-up has seen the district council become a hung authority after the vote determined that no single political group would take control - forcing the Independent Group to release its reins.

All 38 seats were up for grabs at last Thursday's local election, which saw the Conservatives claw back four contested seats, giving them a total of 14, while the Independent Group lost three and was forced to release its control of the council after it finished with just 17.

The Liberal Democrats retained five seats while two seats went to non-party councillors.

Of the 30 district wards, 14 were uncontested and councillors holding seats in the remaining 16 stayed mostly comfortable, with voters sparking just a handful of changes.

Dacre saw Conservative Peter Huddleston lose his seat to Independent's Hugh Harrison while in Morland, Conservative Derek Jackson took the seat.

Conservative John Lynch remained in his seat on the Penrith East ward and the Liberal Democrat's Michael Eyles took the second seat there.

Kirkby Stephen gained Conservative Glenys Lumley, who will join the Independent's Trevor Ladhams, while Liberal Democrat Roger Burgin joined Penrith North.

Coun Trevor Ladhams said he was pleased with the election results and he hoped that, with no single group controlling the council, all councillors would be able to work together.

"It is virtually a hung council now but I think we will all be able to work together because we have got a common cause. With the unitary authority looming, we have got to work together and I hope that party politics won't come into it.

"I was impressed by the turnout in Kirkby Stephen, with more than 40 per cent voting, and I am pleased that the electors have confidence in me to hopefully stand for another four years."

  • For detailed results see the Eden District Council website: www.eden.gov.uk.