DISAPPOINTMENT turned to optimism as Weaver Vales Mike Cooksley vowed to stand as an independent in the next General Election.

Although he only polled 1, 484 votes, Mr Cooksley met many of the electorate and gained a great deal of positive feedback.

He said: Initially we were disappointed about the result, but we looked at the figures around the country and apart from Martin Bell and Dr Richard Taylor in Wyre Valley, I gained the most votes for an Independent in the whole country.

I think at the end of the day when people came to mark the cross they decided to vote for a party.

Mr Cooksley said many people had raised many matters of concern for which they were unable to get help and as a result he has decided to set up a helpline to deal with these issues.

He added: We are going to build on this positive response and help people with their problems.