Councillors will vote on how to fill Whitchurch vacancy

The lack of candidates meant there was no local election in Whitchurch, despite a number of councillors standing down at the end of April.

The town council is to hold its first meeting since then on Thursday.

At the meeting the members will be asked to decide how to fill the one remaining space in the north ward.

The session in the civic centre on Thursday will also see the election of the new mayor and deputy mayor.

Councillor Rob Hewson, current deputy mayor, said: "It is the start of a new year and it will be nice to see some new faces on the council."

He added: "It is a shame that people in the town did not get the chance to vote but we will push ahead this year and hope to co-opt another member."

At last month's elections Shropshire councillors Peggy Mullock and Gerald Dakin stood uncontested, along with Thomas Biggins, Conservative.

New councillors include John Ebbs, a resident who began a petition against plans to revamp the Civic Centre, Geoff Handley, organiser of the monthly farmers' market, Chris Hitchener, Pete Lea, John Sinnott and Jack Thornton.

The rest of the council is made up of Alan Chesters, Ticker Harris, Rob Hewson, Mike McDonald, Tony Neville, Terry O'Neill, Malcom Rigley and Alistair Young. The meeting will start at 7.15pm and is open to the public.

Residents will also have the chance to hear reports on neighbourhood planning and work on the town's heritage centre.

Councillor Ebbs will ask the council to set up a working party to re-examine the plans to revamp the civic centre and will also request that any physical work on the project is suspended until the committee has reported back.

The council will consider any legal implications of varying the project or programme in a behind-closed-doors meeting once all council matters have been dealt with.

Councillor Hewson said he was not concerned about the motion and looked forward to the meeting.