A REMARKABLE 18.1% swing from the Liberal Democrats enabled the Conservatives comfortably to hold the Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield division in yesterday's by-election to Chelmsford borough council.

By Graham Dines

A REMARKABLE 18.1% swing from the Liberal Democrats enabled the Conservatives comfortably to hold the Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield division in yesterday's by-election to Chelmsford borough council.

The result was:

Michael Harris (Conservative) 737

David Whiteing (Lib Dem) 151

John Knott (Labour) 70

Conservative majority: 586

The election was held following the resignation of Councillor R Saunders on January 3.