A BY-ELECTION has been called by Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council to fill a vacant spot.

Earlier this year, Cllr James Warren, Liberal Democrat councillor of the Highbridge ward, resigned from his post on Friday, April 26.

A poll to vote for a new town councillor to take over his role will be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Cllr Warren reportedly stepped down from the role due to personal reasons which he felt would stop him from giving the job the attention it deserves.

His resignation left Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council with 17 councillors, and one empty seat. 

The official Notice of Election published by the town council reads: "Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer at Electoral Services, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR between 10.00am and 12.30pm and 1.30pm and 4.00pm on any working day from Friday 31 May 2024 but no later than 4pm on Friday 7 June 2024.  

"Nomination papers may be obtained from the offices of the Returning Officer, Electoral Services, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR, during the times stated above.

"If any election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday 4 July 2024.

"Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 12 midnight on Tuesday, 18 June 2024. Applications can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

"Applications, amendments or cancellations of postal votes must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

"Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate or an Anonymous Elector’s Document valid for this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5 p.m. on Wednesday 26 June 2024. Applications for a Voter Authority Certificate can be made online: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

"Applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.

"Applications to vote by emergency proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Electoral Services, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3AR by 5 p.m. on Thursday, 4 July 2024. "