DEFEATED Wisbech county councillor Steve Tierney says he loves his voters too much to leave them in the hands of his successful UKIP opponent.

Cambs Times: Cambridgeshire County Council election count at the Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech.Cllr Alan Lay (UKIP)Cambridgeshire County Council election count at the Hudson Leisure Centre, Wisbech.Cllr Alan Lay (UKIP) (Image: Archant)

“I have decided that I love the division and the people who live in it too much to just leave them in the ‘care’ of Alan Lay,” he said.

Shortly after losing his Roman Bank and Peckover seat he wrote that “I feel crushed, to be honest. What a sad, sad day”.

But within 48 hours he’d sprung back with a message that he planned to carry on as before.

“I will continue with all the same activities I have always done – community surgeries, supporting local charities and clubs, supporting parish councils, helping people with planning and other issues,” he said.

Cllr Tierney – who remains a town councillor- said: “I have very extensive experience of what the county council does right up to the most senior level and that experience shouldn’t go to waste.

“I know the officers to speak to, the routes to get things done and the rules by which you can affect change.”

He also plans to continue running a Roman Bank & Peckover website.

“In short, I may have lost an election but I won’t be going anywhere.”

Cllr Tierney was also adamant about what he felt Cllr Lay should be doing in coming days.

Looming issue of street light changes meant Cllr Lay must, he said, organise public meetings and/or negotiate a delay.

On his blog he wrote: “Alan – if you are reading this please do not ignore it.

“These plans urgently need comments and suggestions.

“This is no laughing matter. It will affect the lives of people.”

Cllr Lay said he was getting up to speed quickly on street lighting, planned to attend a meeting in Newton on Monday, and was talking to council officials about the complaints.

“Off the top of my head I can’t see major problems with this but I will find out and deal with it,” he said.

Cllr Lay said he was happy to take advice from most people “with the possible exception of Mr Tierney”.