IT'S as you were for Test Valley politicians after last night's election left the Conservatives in control of the borough council.

The Tories picked up one seat while the Liberal Democrats added three, although there were four extra seats for the first time this year.

The Tories now have 30 seats with the Liberal Democrats claiming 16 and Independents two.

The UK Independence Party lost its only seat in the borough.

A respectable 39 per cent of voters turned out to have their say.

The Liberal Democrats' biggest achievement was to put a hefty dent in the majority of prospective parliamentary candidate Caroline Nokes in Romsey Extra ward. Her 1999 majority of 130 was reduced to 77.

Deputy Lib Dem group leader Mark Cooper said the result had left her damaged and "we are pleased as punch with that".

But Cllr Nokes said: "I am very pleased. My personal vote has gone up, although the majority has slightly decreased because the Lib Dems targeted my ward. It is a good result."

There were smiles on the faces of Alan and Celia Dowden, the husband and wife team who will now represent the Liberal Democrats at both parish and borough level.

Celia Dowden, who had been elected for the first time in the North Baddesley ward, said: "I am elated and satisfied. It was hard but it's been rewarding."

Husband Alan, who is also a county councillor, was returned in the Valley Park ward.

Romsey Town Council elections saw the Conservatives pick up one seat to bring their total to four, which, with one Independent councillor, leaves the ten Lib Dem members in the driving seat.

Romsey's Lib Dem MP Sandra Gidley said: "It's a mixed picture, but overall I am pleased."

SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO FOR THE FULL LIST OF RESULTS.