THE battle for West Bridgford Central and South was the closest across all wards south of the river, in the battle to win control of County Hall.
In the end Labour took both seats after three recounts and the difference was only nine votes.
Labour candidate Steve Calvert received 2,679 votes, fellow Labour party member Liz Plant came away with 2,583 and following closely was Conservative candidate Barrie Cooper with 2,574.
Councillor Calvert said: "It was close but we won back the hearts and minds of the traditional Labour voters who deserted us in 2005 and 2009."
Conservative candidate Reg Adair managed to hold onto the Ruddington seat.
He said: "I'm really gutted about those two West Bridgford seats – if we had kept those, the picture would look very different."
Elsewhere in Rushcliffe, Cotgrave was comfortably held by the Conservatives.
Winning candidate Richard Butler was happy about receiving 1,330 votes – a 46.2 per cent overall share.
He added: "I love my job and I am very pleased by the result.
"In other areas it has been very close and I am disappointed with the West Bridgford Central and South result.
"I think that some people have voted on national issues and on things that local councils cannot change."
IN Broxtowe all the seats on Notts County Council were held by sitting councillors, apart from one.
Labour candidate Kate Foale managed to take the Conservative held Beeston South and Attenborough with 1,394 votes, followed by the Tories coming in second with 1,265.
However, Conservative candidate Eric Kerry believed that the change was down to Ukip receiving 524 votes.
He said: "If it wasn't for Ukip, I think I would have got it. I think I've done well really. Hopefully I will be back fighting the seat next time round."
Beeston North was held by the Lib Dems who received 1,606 votes.
Liberal Democrat candidate Steve Carr said: "We fought a good battle and I was sure that we had clinched Beeston North before the count. I think this shows the strength of Liberal Democrat support in Broxtowe – people can see we roll up our sleeves and work hard for our communities."
THE Gedling results were the last to come through in the county and the Labour Party waited with baited breathe to see if they could take power at County Hall.
It all came down to the Arnold North seat, which Labour successfully gained to take a majority.
Labour candidate Michael Payne for Arnold North said: "I am really very happy.
"We have sent a clear message to Kay Cutts.
"In Arnold and Carlton we won all eight seats which were clearly extremely important.
"Obviously Ukip have done very well, but the public have sent a clear message that they want a different way of doing things.
"I will now go on to stand up for the people that voted us in."
TWO of the biggest stories of the election came from the Ashfield district.
The youngest ever Notts county candidate was elected in Sutton-in-Ashfield West for the Liberal Democrats with 1,524 votes and a 49.8 per cent total share.
Councillor Tom Hollis, 20, said: "I am absolutely exhausted and relieved that it is over. I have been on the district council for the last two years and I think it was the right time for me.
"I think I am lucky that people have given me the chance to represent them.
"I am definitely the person for the job and I will do everything I can to help those that voted for me.
"I have never heard my age mentioned negatively and I will use all my energy to work hard.
"Before this election the average age was 59-years-old, but I think that will have changed now."
Labour took all three Hucknall seats from the Conservatives and Ukip in what they called a vital area.
Labour candidate Alice Grice said: "I am very happy with the result.
"Hucknall was a vital area for us and it was important that we did well.
"It did look like it was going to be close but we won all three seats comfortably in the end.
"We have been working our socks off campaigning since last July and it has paid off.
"I was worried about Ukip and the trend across the country because I don't think their politics sit well in local elections and councils."