A FRESH attempt is being made to fill empty seats on Porlock Parish Council, where local indifference could see the number of councillors cut from 12 to eight.

Cllr Michelle Vernon reduced the number of vacant council seats from six to five when she was elected uncontested in a by-election in January.

She was the only candidate for three vacancies, so the council is trying again with a by-election for two seats on March 26.

Candidates have until 4 pm on Friday (February 27) to submit nomination papers, failing which councillors will look at co-opting new members.

Dozens of councils across West Somerset have operated with vacancies since the last full set of elections in 2022 as fewer people are prepared to shoulder the responsibilities.