LIBERAL Democrats have lost a seat on New Forest District Council - after forgetting to enter a by-election.

The Lib Dems destroyed their chances of retaining the Marchwood seat by missing the deadline for nominations.

The embarrassing blunder meant Thursday's poll was a two-horse race between Labour and the Conservatives.

Victory went to the Tories, who increased their majority on the council.

The Lib Dem candidate would have been former district councillor David Harrison, an ex-chairman of Totton and Eling Town Council.

Maureen Robinson, leader of the Lib Dem group said: "David missed the deadline for submitting his papers - which is something that caused me much distress.

"We let ourselves down and we let the people of Marchwood down.

"I know David is not very pleased with himself, but we all make mistakes.

"He is a good man and someone I respect very much. Had he got his papers in and been elected he would have worked incredibly hard for the people of March-wood."

Dave Yates, the district council's chief executive, said the deadline for nominations was noon on July 6.

"We were contacted by the Liberal Democrats after the deadline - but election law does not allow the slightest bit of flexibility," said Mr Yates.

Yesterday's by-election was caused by the resignation of Lib Dem councillor Gordon Richardson. The victorious candidate was Conser-vative Nick Smith, 37, of Colbury, who works in the computer industry.

Mr Smith campaigned against plans to build a huge container terminal at Dibden Bay, between Marchwood and Hythe.

He also slated proposals to transport rubbish from Southampton to Marchwood when the new incinerator is built on the old Powergen site in Normandy Way.

Mr Smith said: "Southampton should take note of my victory, which sends out a very clear message.

"Marchwood may be just across the water, but it's not part of Southampton. We don't want their port - and we don't want their rubbish."

The Labour candidate was Marchwood parish councillor Alan Goodfellow, who also stood in New Forest East in the general election.

Tories said Mr Goodfellow paid the price for Labour-controlled Southampton's support for the £500m plan to develop Dibden Bay.

Mr Goodfellow was absent when the by-election result was announced at Marchwood Village Hall.

His agent, Peter Sopowski, said Mr Goodfellow was "fulfilling a long-standing family commitment" and could not attend the declaration.

He added: "All political parties in Southampton are in favour of Dibden Bay, not just Labour."

Mr Harrison was unavailable for comment.

RESULT:

Nick Smith (Con) 541

Alan Goodfellow (Lab) 169

Majority: 372

Turnout: 18.37 per cent.