THANK you to everybody who voted for me in the Devizes North Ward by-election on August 3. Thanks also to my campaign team, who worked so hard to support me.
I understand that sometimes it is difficult to come out to vote. For example, while we were knocking on doors during this by-election, we found that there were some would-be voters who were not able to come out to vote because they are single parents looking after young children, or carers for elderly parents. 
We were sometimes able to help by giving voters a lift to the poll. However, voting by post is becoming increasingly popular. During this election, postal votes made up almost 50 per cent of the total votes cast. 
I would encourage all those who think they could have a problem getting to the polling station on the day, to apply for a postal vote for future elections. If you forget to send your postal vote in time, you can still take it to the polling station in person on polling day.
Naturally I am disappointed not to have been elected this time, both to help with issues that residents have raised and to help to restore a better balance on Devizes Town Council. 
Nonetheless I will continue to work with Devizes Constituency Labour Party to campaign for issues that affect Devizes residents, such health facilities, traffic and parking, schools and housing.
My thanks also go to the other two candidates in the election, Christine Gay and Iain Wallis, for the way that they conducted themselves during the election campaign.
Finally, thanks to the Electoral Services Team at Wiltshire Council and the staff of Devizes Town Council, for all their support in organising the election.
LAURA NAYLOR
(Labour Candidate)
The Mews
Newman Rd
Devizes