A TOWN council has given notice of election that will be held next month.

The election for one parish councillor for the Silloth-on-Solway Parish comes after one member stepped down.

Allerdale councillor and former Silloth town councillor, Owen Martin, resigned in August amid accusations the council failed to tackle homophobia.

He had represented the town on the council for more than four years before his shock resignation.

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, leaving a vacancy on the council.

Mr Martin would consider rejoining the council in the future, but only if changes were made.

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.

The deadline for nominations from candidates is 4pm today.

A spokesman for Allerdale Council said: “Nominated papers may be obtained during normal office hours, from the Returning Officer.

“Completed nomination papers must be delivered to the Returning Officer at the offices of Allerdale Council no later than 4pm on September 20.”

If the election is contested, the poll in respect of such election will take place on October 17.

It has been stated that applications to be included in the Register of Electors must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Allerdale by October 1.

Electors are being asked to take note that new applications to vote by post or to change applications to change or cancel an existing postal or proxy vote must reach the Elector Registration Officer no later than 5pm on October 2.

New applications to vote by proxy must be received by the Electoral Registration Officer at the offices no later than 5pm on October 9.

The address to return applications to is Andrew Seekings, Returning Officer at Allerdale Borough Council, Allerdale House, Workington.