IT was a close contest to decide the new councillor to serve on Fordingbridge Town Council.

Two candidates stood for co-option, John Mouland and Peter Cheal, to fill the vacant seat following the resignation of long-serving councillor and former deputy mayor David Price.

The mayor and chairman of the council, Councillor Paul Anstey had the deciding vote after it was deadlocked.

Cllr Anstey said: “Of all the years I have been on the council and watched co-opted members come through I have never seen two stronger candidates.”

Each candidate made a presentation to the council before a vote by councillors.

Mr Mouland, who was a retained firefighter for 32 years and works as a contracts manager, was the successful candidate.

He was a founding member of Fordingbridge Rugby Club holding most of the positions in the club, including chairman and president, as well as coaching the mini and junior sides.

His wife ran a shoe shop in the town for six years until the market crash in 2008 hit the business.

Mr Mouland said: “We are very pleased to see all the new businesses that have started in the last 12 months. We do hope they are successful.

“This is one of the reasons that I would like to be involved in the council. We get to support our local businesses, pushing forward ideas to ensure they are successful by bringing more and more people into the town. As we have seen over the last few years successful businesses have supported the town in a big way. We need to work as one.”

He spoke of his experience organising a number of events in the town from young farmers events to Fordingbridge Show, the Fire Station 10k and A Party in the Park as well as raising thousands of pounds for charities both local and national.

He described the town as “one of the most beautiful and extraordinary environments in the world” and was “desperate to ensure that continues”.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Mouland said: “I’m very honoured to become a town councillor and look forward to working with all the experienced councillors to help drive our town and community forward.

“Providing the correct basis and facilities for our population to thrive."