BREXIT has shocked the Cotswolds, and many are still trying to come to terms with the result of the EU referendum.

With a turnout of 72 per cent, the district voted by 51 per cent (28,150 votes) to Remain in the European Union, while 49 per cent (26,806) opted to Leave.

Nationally however, Britain voted to Leave the EU with 51.9 per cent of votes, and 48.1 per cent of voters choosing to Remain.

Amid news of David Cameron's resignation, the volatile financial markets and Nigel Farage's calls for a British independence day, Cotswold figures spoke out on the result of the referendum.

Cotswold MP and Leave campaigner Geoffrey Clifton-Brown was happier than others.

He said: “I was not expecting Brexit to win, so I was pleased but surprised.

“I remain absolutely convinced that for the medium and longer-term future of this country, the British people have come to the right verdict.

"I think the high turnout is a fantastic demonstration of democracy. Now, we have got to try to pull everyone together, as there are a lot of angry people, and we need to get the best possible renegotiation."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Chris Harlow (above), chairman of UKIP Cotswolds, also welcomed the decision to Leave: "We very much welcome Britain's decision to leave the EU and are certain that it will lead to a resurgence in confidence and success in our country.

"Many people in the Cotswolds and elsewhere voted to Remain because of Government-inspired scare tactics even though their heart told them that we should Leave.

"Britain will now start to embrace its role in the world without being constrained by the EU's restrictions.

"I hope all parties will look forward, and implement the decision reached in the biggest democratic exercise this country has ever conducted."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Paul Hodgkinson (above), leader of the Lib Dems in Gloucestershire County Council and councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach, said he was "exceptionally disappointed" by the result.

He added: "But that is how people have voted. I am pleased that the Cotswolds voted to remain.

"I think that a lot of people in the Cotswolds had thought about it and looked at all the information to make their decision. People felt that the alternative was too vague.

"My biggest concern is how this country will operate and trade with the rest of the EU. As a businessman, I know it is very important.

"There's been a lot of divisions opened up in the campaign."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Mayor of Cirencester Mark Harris (above) said he was disappointed for the country but pleased to see that the Cotswolds voted to stay in.

He said: "I feel like I am surrounded by mostly like-minded people.

"It appears to me that people were voting to remain in places where there is a higher level of education or where there is a wealthy demographic.

"We are where we are now and, rather than despair, we've got to ensure all the things we are worried about don't happen."

He added of the volatile situation: "One of the problems with leaving is that it is inevitable that the government will be thrown into chaos."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

(Deputy mayor of Tetbury Kevin Painter and mayor of Tetbury Stephen Hirst)

Mayor of Tetbury, Stephen Hirst, also a Bremainer, said: "We have to face up with the new situation and resolve it the best as we can.

"There is a great deal of shock and uncertainty as to what will happen. But we are one of Europe's biggest economies so we should have some built-in resilience.

"We have to rely on the government to do the best for the country."

Deputy mayor of Tetbury and independent councillor Kevin Painter voted to Leave.

He compared the result of the referendum to the desire of local communities for autonomy.

He said: "Being involved in local council, we are tired of being told what to do by other tiers of government who do not understand our town.

"It's interesting that we want control of our own country and that we want the same thing in districts and towns.

"The main thing is that it's good to have control of things locally to react to things there.

"I don't think the result is going to make too much difference apart from our laws. We won't have to bow down to Brussels in things that we do.

"There’s much talk of economic’s and work and job prospects, however when I look round my hometown I do not see much advantage or help from being in the EU.

"But we still have the people, we still have the skill and the talent and we still have the pride to stand up and say this is Great Britain."