RESIDENTS across West Somerset will be going to the polls on Thursday, May 5 to elect new district councillors and, in some cases, new parish and town council representatives.

Candidates had until Monday to throw their hats into the ring - although they had until midday yesterday (Thursday) to change their minds, just as the Free Press went to print.

As of Wednesday, elections looked likely in all but one of the wards, some of which have been realigned this year as a result of a review by the Boundary Commission.

The only ward that is currently uncontested in West Somerset is the new Greater Exmoor ward with its sole candidate, Conservative Steven Pugsley.

As a result of the Boundary Commission changes the number of West Somerset wards has been reduced from 31 to 28.

Full round-up of candidates in this week's Free Press.