THE Liberal Democrats won yesterday's by-election in Nascot ward with a majority of just 59 votes.

Mark Watkin, who polled 887 votes, fought off a strong challenge from Conservative candidate Angela Basit, who polled 828.

The seat had previously been held by Tory Robert Gordon, who stepped down from local government at district level but remains a powerful county councillor, representing Nascot and Park.

Sally Ivins of the Greens polled 145 votes, with Labour's Mohammed Riaz bringing up the rear with 92.

The result leaves the Lib Dems firmly in control of Watford Borough Council with 30 seats including directly elected Mayor, Dorothy Thornhill.

The Greens and the Conservatives now have equal opposition standing with three seats each, and Labour have a single seat.

A total of 1,952 votes were cast.

Thirty-seven per cent of the electorate turned out to vote.