THE Liberal Democrats have spoken of their disappointment at their seven-seat loss in the local elections.

The party kept control of their strongholds in Yate and Thornbury with comfortable majorities but the whole ward of Patchway, with three seats going to Labour. They also lost single seats in Pilning and Severn Beach, Bitton, Boyd Valley and Bradley Stoke North.

Party leader Ruth Davis said the results were a reflection on the national scene.

She added: "We are very pleased that we managed to maintain the Thornbury and Yate seats but we are very disappointed that we did not keep the others.

"I would like to thank those councillors who lost their seats for all their hardwork and say how disappointed we are that they will not be working with us.

"But we are really pleased that where we held our seats residents have recognised the hard work we do with them and we will continue working for local communities."

She said the Lib Dem group would be meeting on Monday to discuss the party’s plans and whether the group would contest the Tory administration with Labour.

Lib Dem MP Steve Webb praised the party for winning 19 out of a possible 22 seats in his Thornbury and Yate constituency.

Mr Webb said: "On a night that was difficult for the party nationally my local colleagues here in Thornbury and Yate have achieved outstanding results.

"To secure more than 50 per cent of the vote across the constituency is a testimony to the week-in, week-out committed work of local Liberal Democrat councillors.

"They deserve great credit for their achievements and I look forward to working with them over the coming years to serve our local communities."