Two seats have become vacant on Shepton Mallet Town Council following the resignations of Cllr Martin Berkeley and Cllr Rebecca Stokes-Stephens.

Cllr Berkeley represented Shepton East ward, while Cllr Stokes-Stephens represented Shepton West. Both have stepped down from their roles, and the council has thanked them for their time, energy and commitment to the town.

Their departures have triggered a process known as a "casual vacancy", and residents now have a chance to decide whether the empty seats should be filled by election or by co-option.

If ten or more registered voters in each ward contact Somerset Council by Wednesday 28 May, a by-election will be held to choose new councillors. If fewer than ten requests are received for either ward, the Town Council will fill the vacancy by co-option — a process where councillors vote to appoint someone at a public meeting.

A combined Notice of Vacancy was published on Wednesday 7 May. The council says it will provide an update after 30 May confirming whether an election will be held or whether co-option will take place.

How to request an election

To request an election, residents must write to Somerset Council either by email or post. Requests must include the elector's name and address, and clearly state which ward the request relates to.

You can send requests to:

The Returning Officer

Somerset Council

County Hall

Taunton TA1 4DY

[email protected]

If no election is called, the council will begin a formal process of co-option, where eligible residents can apply to be considered and may be appointed at a council meeting.

For more information, or to express interest in standing as a councillor, contact:

Claire Commons, Town Clerk on 01749 343984 or email [email protected]