SOUTH LAKELAND is waking up to a new dawn as the Liberal Democrats took control of the district council for the first time ever in yesterday's local elections.

The new council consists of 31 Liberal Democrat councillors, 18 Conservatives, two Labour councillors and one independent councillor.

The Lib Dems had had to pass the figure of 27 to gain over all control of the Council and gained nine seats.

Six Labour wards fell in Kendal. The Conservatives also lost two seats; one in Sedbergh and one in Kendal.

Wards which fell to the Liberal Democrats from Labour were: Kendal Fell, Kendal Glebelands, Kendal Nether, Kendal Strickland, Kendal Underley and Kendal Kirkland.

Kendal Far Cross and one Sedbergh ward both fell to the Lib Dems from the Conservatives.

The Lib Dems also gained Lakes Grasmere after independent councillor Elizabeth Braithwaite stood down before the local election.

For full analysis and comment from the parties, don't miss next week's issue of The Westmorland Gazette.