BEING elected to Herefordshire Council brought back deep personal memories and reflections for Emma Holton.

Cllr Holton, who stood successfully for the Conservatives in Ledbury South, is the daughter of former Ledbury county councillor, Peter Watts, who died a year ago, following a long battle with bone cancer.

Cllr Holton said: "I felt very emotional about being elected, particularly as Dad passed on May 5, 2014 and within a year and three days to the date I was elected on May 8, 2015.

"Obviously, my father will be a tough act to follow, he was the person who originally encouraged me to participate in local politics. I had rung him from Wiltshire complaining about the council tax so he told me to stop moaning and get involved, a week later I was standing in a by-election against the ex- mayor of Chippenham, a seat which I won."

Cllr Holton, of course, has recently moved back to Ledbury.

She said: "Having grown up in Herefordshire I am now honoured to be able to serve the residents of Ledbury and their representative for Herefordshire Council.

"Canvassing was very informative, talking with wonderful people in the ward and understanding their views and concerns, as well as their visions for the future of Ledbury."

She added: "The general and local elections have been the most difficult in recent years, but with a strong Conservative majority both nationally and now within Herefordshire County, I am proud to represent South Ledbury on a council which will continue to create economic stability, securing a better future for us all."

Key election pledges made by Cllr Holton included retaining local facilities, including the local Lawnside swimming pool.

This was a cause that was also very close to Cllr Watts' heart.

Cllr Holton also wants all the emergency services "reinstated and are available in the town", and she want to "safeguard Ledbury’s status as a historical market town against unnecessary development".