AN agricultural business manager has gained the Llanaelhearn seat from Llais Gwynedd in a recent by-election.

Menai Tractors manager, Aled Wyn Jones, of Trefor, gained the seat following Cllr Llywarch Bowen Jones’ decision to step down earlier this year.

Cllr Jones won the seat with 48.7% of the vote (200 votes) on Thursday, 19 November.

Cllr Jones has lived with his family in the area for 35 years and is a school governor clerk at Ysgol y Eifl as well as treasurer and one of the directors at Clwb y Twr.

He said: “I am a people’s person and enjoy discussing issues, acting on them and getting things done!

“As local governments face a challenging period, my hope is that by working together the voice of Llanaelhearn, Trefor, Llithfaen, Pistyll and the surrounding areas’ residents is heard and represented strongly within the county council.

“I have already been discussing the hopes and aspirations of local residents during the past few weeks and look forward to meeting more of the community.

“One thing that is being raised locally is the lack of lighting off the main road when turning for the village of Trefor. This is the kind of issue that I would be keen to discuss with officers and investigate.”

Plaid Cymru’s Gwynedd leader, Dyfed Edwards said of the recent win: “It was a great evening, and it is a testimony to the quality candidate, understanding local needs and recognising the importance of speaking to electors out and about.

“Coupled with this, we must pay homage to the team of volunteers, Plaid supporters and staff members who have supported these candidates in these three by elections.

“We face a challenging time as local authorities across Wales as we all feel the pinch of major financial cuts from the Tory government at Westminster.

But Plaid Cymru Gwynedd remains ambitious for the people of the area, and we are keen to look forward positively to the future.

“We warmly welcome Aled to Plaid’s Gwynedd team and looking forward to working with him in the coming weeks and months.”