THE returning officer of Cornwall Council has confirmed that Bude-Stratton Town Council will fill a vacancy by co-option.

Bude-Stratton Town Council has a vacant seat, following the recent resignation of Cllr Jeremy Heard.

The co-option will be decided at a full meeting of the town council on August 4, at the Parkhouse Centre.

Anyone interested in joining the town council is encouraged to step forward.

Mayor of Bude and Stratton, Cllr Lea Deely, said: “I would encourage anyone interested to check out details on the website and apply for co-option.

“Over the last few years, we have not been trampled in the rush of people who wish to stand for town council.

“In fact, at the last election three years ago, we only had an election in the Bude Ward because this was the only ward where we had one more candidate than seats available. The other two wards were not contested and councillors elected unopposed.”

Cllr Deely has advised that whoever is co-opted will serve until May 2017, as there will be fresh elections at that time.

Cllr Deely added: “I would ask all residents to consider whether they would be willing or able to put themselves forward for election at that time.”