Before (end of 1996) (44 seats, Elections Centre)
Liberal Democrats 31 · Other 12 · Conservative 1 · Labour 0
After (end of 1997) (44 seats, Elections Centre)
Liberal Democrats 31 · Other 12 · Conservative 1 · Labour 0
Ward results
Barnstaple North1 seat
| B. Greenslade | Liberal Democrats | 4,273 ✓ |
| S. McCrum | Conservative | 1,508 |
| A. Chapman | Labour | 995 |
Braunton Rural1 seat
| D. Spear | Liberal Democrats | 3,977 ✓ |
| M Cumberlege | Conservative | 2,517 |
| H. Hannant | Labour | 696 |
South Molton Rural1 seat
| F Venner | Liberal Democrats | 3,375 ✓ |
| R Wedlake | Conservative | 2,701 |
| S Mercer | Independent | 1,412 |
| P. Kendrew | Labour | 583 |