FOLLOWING the recent death of Heathfield ward councillor, David Elphick, Bovey Tracey Town Council is seeking applications from residents who would like to represent the ward.

When Cllr Elphick died, residents had the opportunity to ask for a by-election to find someone to fill the seat.

The Electoral Services department of Teignbridge Council has confirmed that no requests were submitted. Consequently, Bovey Tracey Town Council can now fill the casual vacancy for the Ward of Heathfield by co-option. The new representative will join the 14-seat council and stand for re-election alongside the other councillors in the next council polls.

Town clerk Mark Wells said: ‘If you are interested in serving as a town councillor for Heathfield Ward, please contact me confirming that you are qualified to be a councillor, at which point an application form will be issued for completion or alternatively this can be downloaded from the town council’s website.’

The council meets bi-monthly (May, June, September, November, January and March).

Mr Wells added: ‘A large proportion of council work is delegated to and dealt with by three standing committees which meet fortnightly on a pre-agreed schedule of meeting dates. Meetings take place predominantly at the Riverside Community Centre on Monday evenings.’

Cllr Sheila Brooke, town mayor and council chairperson, said: ‘We are seeking a candidate who can engage or have links already established within the community of Heathfield, to ensure the residents and/or businesses within Heathfield are represented appropriately in council discussions and decisions.’

The closing date for completed applications is midday on Monday, November 8.

Candidates will be invited to speak remotely via Zoom at the town council meeting on Monday, November 15, after which a vote by Councillors will take place.

The list of qualifications and an application form can be viewed in the Town Council’s Co-Option Policy available to view viawww.boveytracey.gov.uk. Mr Wells can be contacted by email ([email protected]) or telephone 01626 834217.