WITH no calls for an election, Ludlow Town Council is looking to fill two vacancies by co-option.

This is a way in which councillors are replaced without there having to be a vote. It happens when not enough people call for an election. The vacancies that need filling are for the Gallows Bank ward and the Hayton ward.

People seeking co-option have to fill certain criteria.

On the day of co-option they must be at least 18-years-old and be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen. Their name must appear on the electoral register of local government electors or they must have occupied any land or other premises as owner or tenant in the area during 12 months before the day of nomination and the day of election. People can apply if their main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of nomination and the day of election has been in the area. Eligibility also includes people who have lived in the area or within three miles of it during 12 months before the day of nomination and the day of election.

People who have paid employment with a parish or community council are disqualified as is anyone who has been declared bankrupt in the past five years and not repaid their debts.

It is not possible to stand if they have been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to at least three months imprisonment (including a suspended sentence) within the previous five years. To apply visit https://www.ludlow.gov.uk/your-council/councillors/becoming-a-councillor and return it to townclerk@ludlow.gov.uk.