A place for a new councillor has opened in Brown Edge after a local parish councillor has left their position.

A vacancy has now arisen at the council, with Brown Edge parish councillor Danielle Spooner stepping down from her role.

The vacancy will be filled via an election if at least ten electors from Brown Edge write to ask for one within 14 days.

However, if an election is required, it will not take place until May 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

If the sufficient number of letters is not received, then the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

The council posted the following statement on its Facebook page earlier today (Thursday):

"Notice is hereby given that a casual vacancy has arisen in the office of councillor for Brown Edge Parish Council.

"If by 14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Acting Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors for the said parish, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.

"Where ten valid requests for a by-election are received by the proper officer then under the provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020 and The Local Government and Police and Crime Commissioner (Coronavirus) (Postponement of Elections and Referendums) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 the election will not take place, and the vacancy will be held open until it is filled at the ordinary election of councillors due to be held un Thursday 6th May 2021."

If you would like to write a letter requesting a by-election, it should be sent to the following address:

Andrew Stokes

Moorlands House

Leek

ST13 6HQ