THE Labour group in Hartlepool lost three of its strongest seats in the local elections.

Previous strongholds of Brus, Dyke House and Owton wards were lost to two Liberal Democrats and one Independent candidate.

However, Labour continues to hold the council with 24 seats, while the Independents have 12, including Mayor Stuart Drummond, the Liberal Democrats have seven, Conservatives four and UK Independent Party one.

Hartlepool's Labour MP Iain Wright said the town had followed the national mood in denting the Government's majority- something expected during mid-term elections.

And he denied the loss of seats had anything to do with Government's decision to close the town's hospital - despite an earlier personal pledge from Tony Blair that the hospital would always remain open.

Councillor John Marshall, chairman of the Administation Group, made up of the Independents and Tory members, said he was delighted with the outcome.

"The Brus ward has been Labour for 30 years and now we have an independent in there," he said.

"Hartlepool people are sick of the same old story - sick of increases every year, which are way above the national average. I hope that voice keeps on getting bigger."

Conservative Councillor Pauline Laffey, who won her Park ward with more votes than any other member, said: "I only came to council eight months ago after fighting a by-election. I got 700 votes last time, so I'm absolutely delighted to get a 1,000 this time."