A SOLWAY town council will hold an election later this year after one councillor stepped down.

Allerdale councillor and former Silloth Town Councillor, Owen Martin resigned earlier this month amid accusations the council failed to tackle homophobia.

The complaint was made to Allerdale Council’s standards committee, which cleared the individual.

The councillor under investigation confirmed he’d been cleared of any wrongdoing and that no further action would be taken.

Mr Martin had represented the council for more than four years but claimed “inaction” at a recent meeting was the last straw, leaving a vacancy.

Allerdale Council has now received the required 10 requests from registered electors in the town meaning there will be an election to fill the seat.

Wendy Jameson, town clerk, said: “The Returning Officer has set the date for the election which will take place on 24 October, 2019.

“The date by which nominations need to be returned to Allerdale Council is 27 September 2019.”

Nomination packs are available from the Town Clerk, email townclerk@silloth-on-solway.co.uk and from Allerdale Council by emailing electoralservices@allerdale.gov.uk.