FOLLOWING the recent town and parish elections, Okehampton Town Council is looking to fill its final vacancy in its North Ward.

The re-oriented wards — the North Ward now having eight seats and the South Ward having six — produced a contested election in the south while seven councillors were returned uncontested in the north leaving one vacancy.

Town clerk Paul Snell said: 'The council is keen to fill this vacancy and has decided to open it up to expressions of interest. This is a time when there are big projects and developments in prospect: neighbourhood planning, solar and hydro renewable energy projects, the desire to see a return of scheduled rail services to Okehampton Station as part of a northern alternative line, the intention to support a regular market in this market town – all this against a backdrop of reduced budgets at county and borough level. The importance of a full complement of councillors representing the town has seldom been more significant.'

To find out more about applying to be a councillor go to the council's website at http://www.okehampton.gov.uk">www.okehampton.gov.uk and because it is a co-option by the council, it is even easier to apply than for the May election, provided you are eligible.

To be considered for the vacant seat, ensure your application has been received by 9.30am on Monday, June 29. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.