A BY-election has been called in the West Somerset Council ward of Dunster and Timberscombe following the resignation of Cllr Bryan Leaker.

As reported in the Free Press last week, Mr Leaker has stepped down because he feels he can no longer represent the ward properly in the face of pressure from the Government to cut services.

If the by-election is contested, the poll will take place on Thursday March 23.

Nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer, West Somerset House, Killick Way, Williton TA4 4QA no later than 4 pm next Friday (February 24).

Postal vote applications must be made to the Electoral Registration Officer at West Somerset House by 5 pm on Wednesday March 8, while proxy vote applications must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday March 15.