THE Liberal Democrats have gained another seat on Wycombe District Council after Alex Slater came first in the Hazlemere South by-election, which was held yesterday.

Alex Slater won with 412 votes, UKIP's Brian Mapletoft came second with 365, Conservative's Lawrence Wood third with 228 and Labour's Alan De-Ath last with 88.

The seat was previously held by Tory councillor Bob Bate before he stepped down from the council earlier this year.

There was a turnout of 29.68% with 1093 votes.

Cllr Slater said: "It hasn't all sunk in yet. I will fulfil my pledges to the electorate who came out and voted for me."

He said he will continue campaigning for a 20mph speed limit on Rose Avenue and push to solve the parking problems outside the schools in the area.

The 32-year-old added: "I am really pleased. Hazlemere has chosen. It has always been a safe Tory seat for them."

Councillor Chris Adams, UKIP's spokesman in Buckinghamshire, said: "This was a healthy result for UKIP, and indicative of what we are seeing elsewhere.

"Increasingly people are becoming fed up with the Conservatives and Labour and are looking for a fresh alternative.

"There were only 47 votes between us and the Liberal Democrats in first place. UKIP is growing and becoming a significant force in local and national politics. The figures speak for themselves."