Three new councillors were co-opted on to Alton Town Council at its meeting in Alton Town Hall on July 9 - but not everybody was happy about it.

Six candidates stood for the vacancies in Ashdell, Eastbrooke and Whitedown wards - Christopher Botten, Christopher Fairhead, Roger Lamb, Richard Moore, John Quincey and Robert Saunders.

The eight councillors present voted for John Quincey in Ashdell, Richard Moore in Eastbrooke and Roger Lamb in Whitedown.

Alton Town Council said their co-option followed “a formal application and selection process carried out in accordance with council policy”.

Town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre said: “We are pleased to welcome our new councillors and look forward to working alongside them.

“Their contributions will be vital as we continue to serve our community and address the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Speaking afterwards, Robert Saunders said: “The current council is no longer fit for purpose, with most members having no mandate from Altonians. This has inevitably led to less accountability.

“The council has disbanded the planning and recreation committees. These are arguably the most important decision making forums for a town council, whose key responsibilities are influencing town development and providing public open spaces.

“I unsuccessfully stood for co-option on the basis of changing all this. I am not bitter about this - I am angry about how my home town is being neglected.”

Former Alton town councillor Ginny Boxall, now an East Hampshire district councillor, said: “It's arguable that by co-opting councillors this is less democratic than holding contested elections.

“I'm hoping that Alton Town Council will have elections in 2027 via the ballot box. That way we end up with local residents having their say and each councillor truly has a mandate to represent local residents.

“I was proud to have been elected with a resounding majority when I stood for Alton Town Council back in 2019.”