THE Liberal Democrats have maintained their majority stronghold in Three Rivers and Watford at the council elections.

Meanwhile the Tories have maintained control of Hertsmere Borough Council.

Sixteen seats were up for grabs in Three Rivers at yesterday's (Thursday) local government elections.

The Lib Dems held on to all of their seats and also picked up Carpenders Park which was made vacant by the resignation of Tory Leslie Winters. The Lib Dems now have 30 seats.

Leader Ann Shaw said: "We were very pleased with last night's results. Local people have demonstrated that they have trust in the Liberal Democrat administration and this is an honour as well as a heavy responsibility which we take very seriously."

It is 14 years since the Conservatives took a seat from the Lib Dems.

Meanwhile in Hertsmere the Conservatives held their majority - and picked up two seats at the expense of Labour.

Tory leader Neil Payne said: "It has been an interesting election. When you look at turnout figures, they are exceedingly high. It was a very good evening for the Conservative Party. We have worked hard and I think we fully deserve our victory today."

Leon Reefe, Labour group leader, was left to conclude proceedings. He said:"You win some, you lose some.

"I am sure we will be back. It goes in cycles and the wheel will turn again."

In Watford, the Lib Dems picked up one seat taking their majority to 28, while the Greens also picked up a seat taking their numbers to three.Labour lost two seats.

A full breakdown of the election results will be published as final details come to hand.