The Chamber at West Street's Municipal Building had long been a Tory stronghold, until the Boston Bypass Independents swept to power with a landslide victory in March 2007.


But the Conservatives, under the new chairmanship of Coun Mike Gilbert, are already beginning their recruitment drive for the 2010 council elections.


"We will be looking for ordinary people with life experience, a big heart, a passion for wanting to help people and to make a positive contribution to the borough," said Andrea Jenkyns, new vice-chairman of the Boston Branch of the Boston and Skegness Conservative Association.


Miss Jenkyns, who joins Ruth Street as vice-chairman, will be focusing on policy and campaigning, aiming to recruit new members and potential candidates for the borough council elections next year.


Coun Mike Gilbert, who represents the Tories on the council, was elected as chairman of the town's Conservative Association.


He Gilbert replaces Clarry Atterby – a former mayor of Boston in the 1960s – who retired from the role after more than 40 years of service to the party.


Coun Gilbert's acceptance speech saw him refer to the importance of teamwork in delivering a new enthusiasm within the Boston branch.


Members of the public have already had the opportunity to question councillors and Boston MP Mark Simmonds at open evenings, organised by Coun Gilbert.


And, in a bid to beat the credit crunch, the party has organised a free business networking forum called BCBN (Boston Conservative Business Network).


This allows businesses to share ideas, discuss current issues and offer feedback to councillors concerning improvements they think will benefit the area.


The first meeting, with guest Boston BID manager Niall Armstrong, will be held at the Conservative Club, Main Ridge, on March 20 (7pm).


Further information about the business forum is available at the website www.gingersquirrel.com/bcbn or by contacting mike.gilbert1961@hotmail.com or andrea@andreajenkyns.com