Market Drayton set for by-election after councillor resigns

There isn't long for applicants to come forward, with the deadline set for January 14.

The casual vacancy opened up when Rebekah Gould, who represented Market Drayton Town Council's north ward, stepped down just before Christmas.

Mayor Mark Whittle said he was sad to see Rebekah go, but encouraged anyone with the drive to improve life in Market Drayton to put their names in the hat.

He said: "Rebekah has been really good and it is a shame to lose her. She has had to resign because of family issues.

"I would like to thank her very much for standing in the first place.

"Now it is a good opportunity for someone to step up, everybody has the right to stand to be a councillor so long as they live in the town.

"It is always good to have someone with a new view, and a fresh perspective.

"We already have one person who has said they are interested, but if a number of people come forward that would force an election because that's how a democratic country works, and we are a democratic council."

A public notice from town clerk Julie Jones said: "Public notice is hereby given that a casual vacancy has occurred in the office of councillor for Market Drayton Town Council.

"The rule allows ten electors for the North Ward in which the casual vacancy has arisen to request the Returning Officer to hold an election to fill the vacancy.

"That request must be made within 14 days, calculated in accordance with the rules of the date of this notice. The fourteen-day period ends on January 14, 2019."

Anyone who is interested should bring 10 signatures from registered electors in the town to the Returning Officer at the Shirehall in Shrewsbury.

Nominated people don't need to live in the North Ward, but must reside in the town itself.

More guidance on nominations and the election procedure is available on Shropshire Council's website or by ringing 0345 678 9015.

To contact Market Drayton Town Council, visit the town hall on Frogmore Road or call Julie Jones on 01630 653364 between 9am and 1pm on weekdays.

Independent advice can also be obtained from the Electoral Commission by calling 0333 103 1928.

Mike Smith, who runs events in the town, said he welcomed the opportunity for new faces on the council.

"Let's have a group of like-minded individuals who want the best for the town," he said.

"I have considered standing. If an election is called then I could possibly stand as an independent, we shall have to see if someone forces an election.

"I would love to see younger people applying."

Long-standing town councillor Roy Aldcroft said: "It's nice to get people involved perhaps who haven't had the opportunity before, and to get some new views.

"Town councils seem very remote to some people, but we are quite friendly. We would welcome any new applicants."

The town council has a Conservative majority, but Mark said he believes party lines don't matter at the town council.

"As a town councillor, you're there for the town first," he said.

"Whether the new person is Labour, or Liberal Democrat or Conservative, it doesn't matter to me so long as we all work together for Drayton."