Conservatives have taken control of Castle Point, Chelmsford and Basildon councils in the local elections.

The gains for the Tories reflected the national trend in the local elections.

Both Chelmsford and Basildon had no overall control prior to yesterday's vote while Labour had control of Castle Point.

Braintree Council changed from Labour to no overall control.

In Brentwood the Liberal Democrats lost control of the council with no party overall gaining power.

But there was better news for the Liberal Democrats as the gained control of Uttlesford Council.

The position remained unchanged for Colchester, Epping and Harlow councils with no party overall managing to gain a majority.

The Conservatives held Rochford, Southend and Maldon.

No elections were held for Thurrock Council which is controlled by Labour.

Controversy surrounds the Harlow election with an inquiry set to be launched today after thousands of votes had to be discounted when it was found that 3,000 out of 5,000 postal ballots did not have an official stamp.

For a full break down of local election results in your area see today's Evening Echo and Evening Gazette newspapers.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003