Independent opposition?

AN UNLIKELY coalition could form the largest opposition group to the Conservatives on North Somerset Council. Independent councillors elected last week will approach Green party member Tom Leimdorfer to form an alliance after the Tories gained control of the council at the local elections.The Liberal Democrats were left with five seats and Labour with just three compared to six won by the Independents.One of them, Hugh Gregor said: "Housing is an important issue for me and probably one of the reasons why so many Independent candidates got elected."There might be some arm-twisting by Government agencies who want to build thousands of houses in the district and some councillors belonging to parties might have their hands tied when it comes to opposing such measures."This is where we can make a difference by highlighting people's concerns without answering to a higher power." Other issues identified by Mr Gregor, aged 72, include Bristol International Airport. The district councillor for Winford outlined its expansion and the use of nearby greenbelt land as illegal parking sites as areas of concern. More affordable housing and better public transport are also topics Mr Gregor will seek to bring to the fore. The councillors will have to wait until after June 7 to see if they can form an opposition party as the North Worle election could swing the balance in favour of the Lib Dems, who could win three seats, placing it ahead of the Independents in opposition.