Three new councillors are required to fill casual vacancies on Alton Town Council in Eastbrooke, Whitedown and Ashdell wards.

The remaining members of the council have decided to co-opt new councillors. The process for this is explained at https://www.alton.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/24.04.03-Policy-for-Co-option-to-the-Council_approved-2.pdf

Candidates must be British, or from a Commonwealth or European Union country, at least 18 years old, and registered to vote in Alton - or have lived, worked or owned property there for a year.

People are ineligible to stand if they work for Alton Town Council, hold a politically restricted post, have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice, or have been jailed for three months or more during the previous five years.

The council said skills gained through volunteering or working with community groups were useful assets for potential councillors, as were being well organised, able to apply themselves to problems and able to communicate well with a wide range of public and professional bodies.

A council spokesperson added: “Local councils can only be as helpful, connected and energetic as the people elected to run them, so we need councillors capable, enthusiastic and engaged to reflect their communities.”