RESIDENTS of Launceston are set to go to the polls in the coming weeks as they vote for a new town councillor.

The vacancy arose following the resignation of Cllr Jamie Ranson from Launceston Town Council.

Two residents, Steve Haynes and Kimbo Wade-Hall, have announced that they will be standing for election within the Launceston North Ward.

In order to stand for election as a councillor, there are a number of criteria which must be met. This includes being a British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth; candidates must be at least 18 years old, and should be registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election.

Alongside meeting these points, residents are also unable to stand if they work for the council - though candidates can work for another local authority as long as they are not in a politically restricted post.

On top of this, candidates cannot be the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order, have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day, have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court, or are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence.

Cornwall Council has announced that the election is set to take place on April 16.

Residents will need to show photographic ID to vote in the election following the introduction of the Elections Act 2022.