MOWDEN ward had the highest turnout in last week's local elections, with 55.12 per cent of residents voting on Thursday.

Mowden also had the highest turnout in 2003, with 63.77 per cent. Councillor Bill Stenson and Councillor Ron Lewis, both Conservatives, were elected.

The lowest turnout, as in 2003, was in Central ward. There, 27.07 per cent of residents voted in Councillor Isobel Hartley and Councillor Eddy Jenkinson, both Labour.

Percentage turnouts per ward - Mowden 55.12, Park West 54.28, College 51.76, Hurworth 51.56, Hummersknott 50.38, Heighington 47.61. Harrowgate Hill 46.85, Haughton North 43.12, Sadberge and Whessoe 42.64, Middleton St George 42.18, Haughton East 41.96, Pierremont 40.98, Cockerton East 40.94, Haughton West 38.02, Faverdale 37.57, Lingfield: 37.06, Cockerton West 36.62, North Road: 36.58, Northgate 33.29, Bank Top 32.61, Park East 31.30, Eastbourne 30.98, Lascelles 29.40, Central 27.07.