THE Tories have retained control of Southend Council with a majority of three.

However, the party which has ruled at the Civic Centre for the past eight years, lost high-profile councillors David Garston and Sally Carr who saw their seats fall to the Independents.However, Tory candidate Blaine Robin emerged victorious in Kursaal ward, a traditional Labour stronghold.

The Lib Dems took Prittlewell ward from the Tories but Tory Mark Flewitt held on in St Laurence despite a strong Lib Dem challenge.

The Tories also held on in St Luke's ward but Independent Paul van Looy came a strong second.

Independent Mike Assenheim held onto his seat in Shoeburyness.

Tory leader Nigel Holdcroft said: "I am pleased with the overall result although I am disappointed we have lost two senior members.

"Within the next two years we will continue to deliver our policies for Southend and I am sure when the people of the town next come to vote we will be back with a much increased majority."

Lib Dem leader Graham Longley saw his majority in Blenheim park ward slashed to just 16 votes.

Mr Longley said: "I am disappointed but unfortunately I am on crutches at the moment with a broken foot and I haven't had a chance to do any delivering or canvassing myself."