SUNNINGHILL and South Ascot's new councillor has said that ensuring plans for Heatherwood hospital's redevelopment go ahead will be one of his priorities.

Julian Sharpe was elected into the position on Thursday night after receiving 1443 votes in the by-election.The turnout was 52.9%.

Cllr Sharpe said: "I am delighted, it was a very exciting campaign as I haven't done this before.

"It was really interesting. I am really looking forward to working with the community.

Conservative candidate Cllr Sharpe only joined the party 18 months ago.

He added: "When this opportunity came out I was really pleased to be able to get involved.

"I have been a member for a relatively short period of time but I have sort of been a member on the sidelines but when this came up I felt I was jumping into a pool but somehow they decided to fish me out."

Heatherwood Hospital's £72million development, which will see the existing buildings knocked down and replaced, offering new cardiac facilities, more private beds and later opening times for clinics, is at the forefront of Cllr Sharpe's mind.

He said: "There's obviously lots that needs to be done and there's limited funds to do it with.

"Everyone can have big dreams and big aims and ambitions but I think I need to understand what really needs to be done.

"The hospital is a big thing for the area and I think we will be making sure that the Heatherwood Hospital plans continue."

Cllr Sharpe is involved with the Quince Players and helps to organise the Sunningdale area carnival.