MEMBERS of Minehead’s soon-to-be Independent town council were on duty in Wellington Square to canvas support for Independents standing in the new district council elections on May 2.

No political parties put up candidates in the town council’s five wards, and there will only be an election in Minehead North, where four Independents are standing for three seats.

A spokesman for the Minehead Independents said: “Although candidates in all wards but one were unopposed, they are all still determined to work to see Independents elected to the new district council as well.

“Although we are very happy to see Minehead with an Independent town council for the first time, we are saddened for democracy that so few candidates came forward to stand for election.

“We were all fully prepared to fight for our seats and that energy is now being channelled into supporting Independent candidates for the new Somerset West and Taunton Council.”