FOLLOWING the shock resignation of councillors Roger and Judy Grainger in June, the two vacant spaces on Newton Abbot Town Council have been filled.

At a special council meeting on Wednesday night, councillors voted to elect 69-year-old retired motor engineer and NHS worker Rob Hayes and 69-year-old retired housing officer Michael Joyce.

A total of five people applied to be accepted on to the council including district councillor Phil Bullivant.

In his application letter Independent Mr Joyce said: ‘If successful, I am confident that I would make a useful contribution to the work of the town councillors and also provide the necessary determination to represent those residents within the ward.’

Liberal Democrat Mr Hayes, who didn’t turn up for the meeting, said: ‘I think I could contribute to the town council with an ethical and moral train of thought, having had experience of working within the community and with people.’

Town clerk Phil Rowe said: ‘It is extremely positive that the council received nine enquiries for its two vacancies in the Bushell Ward.

‘Five strong candidates were prepared to give of their time to the community and allow their names go forward to the council for co-option.

‘My congratulations to Mr Hayes and Mr Joyce upon their success on becoming councillors. Local democracy is alive and well in Newton Abbot.’