No candidates to stand for election to Ledbury Town Council

Ledbury Town Council has struggled for members for some years, with only ten of its notional 18 seats currently filled.

Now a byelection in Ledbury South ward that was scheduled for November 12 has been cancelled as "the required number of nominations was not received by the close of nominations", Herefordshire Council confirmed.

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"Consequently, the election will be re-run, with a new election date to be announced shortly," it said.

A council spokesperson confirmed that no candidates had come forward.

This follows another abortive attempt to hold an election in Ledbury West at the start of this month.

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In the event only one candidate has come forward, Liberal Democrat Barry Hill, who was then confirmed as the town's tenth councillor.

Lesley Wilkinson, who was co-opted — that is, voted on by current members rather than by public election — to represent Ledbury South in May, said: "It's difficult to get people involved in local democracy.

"It is a time commitment to the three-weekly cycle of meetings, with a lot to read in between. People in the 60s who would once have had the time, now have other responsibilities like child care."

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But she added: "It's also incredibly interesting and rewarding, and unlike having your say online, is an opportunity to make a difference locally."

Fellow town councillor Joe Hamblin added: "It's disappointing. But we will have a full field of councillors up for election next May, which is a chance for a fresh start.

"I will be doing my bit to encourage people in the town to stand."