BOOSTED by two defections from other parties, the Lib Dems are confident they can seriously challenge the Conservatives at May's district election in Taunton Deane.

Roy Snelling has quit the Green Party, while Martin Peters has left Labour ahead of the poll for Somerset West and Taunton Council, which is being formed in April.

The new authority will be created with the merger of West Somerset and Taunton Deane Borough Councils.

Mr Snelling, who stood for the Greens at three elections, was impressed with his new party's election manifesto, saying: "We all need to support the Lib Dems if we are to win Taunton Deane from the Conservatives."

LibDem Parliamentary candidate Gideon Amos said: "As an ordinary Lib Dem member, one can have a real voice in shaping policies, so Roy’s experience and the contribution of many other new members we've welcomed to our growing local party this year is really welcome."

Mr Peters said: "I too have been impressed with the policies local Lib Dems are working up to put Taunton and particularly our town centre back on the map.

"Many people feel a Lib Dem vote is the only progressive vote that counts in Taunton."

He added that, because of our first past the post electoral system, supporting the Lib Dems in the South West is in Labour's interest as it seeks to replace the Tories in government.

"Until we change our system, a vote for Labour or the Greens in Taunton will achieve little or have no impact at all," said Mr Peters.

The Conservatives in the Deane have been rocked by some of their councillors, including father and daughter Cllrs Dave and Kelly Durdan, planning to stand as Independents in the local election.

Cllr Simon Coles, LibDem leader at Deane House, said: "We've had a rising membership locally for some while.

"We now have more local branch members than we've ever had.

"My belief is people have realised we're the only party capable of stopping the Conservatives rush to continue austerity.

"People are beginning to realise that what we've been saying for years is actually going on. There's enormous disillusionment with the Tories at every single level."

TDBC leader Cllr John Williams said the community will look at the "achievements, policies and plans" of the various parties before deciding how to vote

He added: "I believe we have a strong record of achieving.

"We have managed the council through the worst economic recession in living memory, maintained virtually all of our frontline services so valued by our community, even building a new swimming pool, delivered in excess of 200 per annum of affordable homes over the last six years, along with delivering much needed market housing.

"There is much, much more that has also delivered a sustainable and financially viable budget which is set fair for the next five years while continuing to deliver the valuable services that our community so values and planning and investing for the future.

"I am sure voters will be looking at what the different parties have done and are offering, and make their choice accordingly."