THE Redditch Labour group is celebrating after gaining seats on Redditch Borough Council in the local elections. 

Redditch Labour leader Andrew Fry said he's proud of his group for carrying out a successful campaign. 

Overall, Labour has won seven seats out of 11, gaining three and retaining four. 

Conservative councillors to lose out at the polls include Mike Rouse and Gemma Monaco.

Councillor Fry said: "I'm absolutely delighted to go into that election with three members and come out with seven. 

"I think we did really well, it was a really good campaign. 

"I think hard work from people made sure we could get those gains. It's great to have new faces. 

"It puts us in a position where we can take control of Redditch Council next year."

In a post on Twitter, Conservative candidate Mike Rouse, who lost his Church Hill seat to Labour's Bill Hartnett, said: "Defending a majority of one was always going to be tough, even more so against the backdrop of national issues, but that’s how politics goes sometimes".

He added: "I leave Redditch Borough Council proud of my achievements such as helping to restore the Redditch Carnival, re-establishing a bond between Royal Enfield and the borough, helping to deliver private apartments on the site of the old surgery in Church Hill and many other things that I can look back on with pride.

"I'm honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve, but I have always accepted that you are called to serve until you are called no more". 

Cllr Bill Harnett said: "I would like to say thank you to all who voted in Redditch for the borough council elections.

"Particular thanks to all who voted in Church Hill especially the 794 who voted Labour and re-elected me to represent you on the council."