IN A by-election held last Thursday (September 13), Jon Harvey won the Pembroke St Mary North seat with over 100 votes more than his nearest competitor.

Cllr Harvey, who ran as an independent, received 187 votes, while his closest competitor, Daphne Bush received 79 votes.

When running for the seat in 2017, Cllr Harvey gained 211 votes, missing out by just six votes to David Boswell.

David ‘Dai’ Boswell vacated the seat earlier this year after being convicted of child rape.

He was jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of raping one girl and indecently assaulting another when they were both aged under 10.

Two ballot papers were rejected, while a total of 576 votes were cast for the eight candidates. The turn-out was 36.6per cent.

Speaking about his win, Cllr Harvey said: "I'm delighted to have been elected as County Councillor for the Pembroke St Mary North Ward.

“Given that there were eight candidates standing I am overwhelmed by the manner of the victory and honoured and truly grateful that so many residents have put their faith in me.”

“Residents have been without effective representation at County Council level for a very long time and my overall aim will be to ensure that the many issues and concerns that have been raised are dealt with in a speedy and effective way.”

Setting out his aims for the future, Cllr Harvey gave two area that he wanted to focus on.

“Traffic issues will be my immediate priority,” he said.

“Excessive speed and the misuse of one-way streets are a major concern to residents I shall be working with the Highways Department and local police to implement effective solutions as without speedy action it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

“I shall also be continuing to work with my fellow Town Councillors for the Ward to secure the remaining funding for the new children's play area on The Green.

“I will ensure that the community is fully involved in the design and that full public consultation takes place.

“Above all, I will be a strong voice representing residents on the County Council and will be seeking improvements and investment in the area so that St Mary North is no longer the ‘forgotten Ward.’”