Tory takes over missing man's seat (From Witney Gazette)

Tory takes over missing man's seat

4:00pm Friday 26th January 2007 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

TORY Colin Adams has claimed victory in a by-election to replace Witney councillor Andrew Creery who disappeared last year.

Mr Adams, who lives on Smiths Estate, claimed the central Witney seat on West Oxfordshire District Council yesterday.

The 70-year-old polled 417 votes and Lib Dem Brenda Churchill was second, claiming 207 votes. Labour candidate David Wesson was third with 87and Green Sandra Simpson came fourth with 68.

The Witney Central seat was held by Andrew Creery, who disappeared from his home in Chedworth Drive in June last year.

He was registered as a missing person by police and his wife and two daughters appealled for him return home. Despite a recent sighting, police are no longer investigating the matter.

Mr Adams is retired, but used to work in sales and was an apprentice at Morris Motors. He is a married father of three and has three grandchildren. He has lived in Witney for 47 years.