It was a clean sweep for Sandwich Matters in the town council by elections.

Residents casting votes in the polls last Thursday awarded all four vacant seats to the Independent candidates.

Sandwich Matters was formed following concerns about the management of the council last autumn.

Its chairwoman Clare Ungerson topped the polls in Sandwich North with 599 votes.

Colin Wiles recieved the next highest with 595 votes, followed by Nicholas Gray with 587, with a turnout of 43%.

In Sandwich South, the seat was won by Melissa Clements with 303 votes, with a turnout of 26%.

They replace Labour's David Wood, who left office over "serious differences" with the leadership group, in November, and Conservatives Bill Staple, Tony Broun and Clare Felton who gave up their seats days later.

'We now have a real mandate to implement change'

Reacting to the triumph, Cllr Ungerson said: "We are enormously grateful to the people of Sandwich in both the north and the south wards for their support for the Independents who stood together under the Sandwich Matters banner.

"The people heard what we were saying about the need for transparency from the town council and an end to party politics and secret deals.

"We now have a real mandate to implement change."

During canvassing, the group spoke about their desire for residents to be more involved in decisions about Toll Bridge Fund expenditure and to protect the town's green spaces.

Cllr Gray, who was responsible for exposing the problems with the leases of the Historic Boatyard and the Fishergate in 2017, wants to see the Quay developed so sailors of historic boats will moor there.

Cllr Clements would like to see the Phoenix Centre reopened and the Sandwich Pantry operation expanded into Sandwich South.

Cllr Ungerson continued: "We will be working with all councillors who want to work with us in a constructive way.

"Above all we want to engage with the people of Sandwich to develop a vision that will make Sandwich a better place to live and visit, and bring the town together.

"Thank you Sandwich for giving us this huge vote of confidence.

"We have a lot to do, and this is a great start!"

The new councillors were sworn in by the Mayor Cllr Paul Graeme on Saturday.

He has congratulated them and says he is looking forward to working collaboratively for the benefit of Sandwich and its residents.

The first full council meeting of the newly elected members will be on Monday, February 28 at 6pm inside Sandwich Guildhall.