A BY-ELECTION has been called to fill a vacant seat on Longhope Parish Council, with polling day set for Thursday, July 3 if the election is contested.

Forest of Dean District Council published the official Notice of Election on Thursday, May 29, confirming that one councillor will be elected to represent the parish, which normally has six seats.

Nomination papers must be delivered in person to the Returning Officer, Nigel Brinn, at the Council Offices, High Street, Coleford, GL16 8HG.

The office will accept nominations between 10AM and 4PM on weekdays, excluding bank holidays, up until the deadline at 4PM on Friday, June 6.

Candidates and their agents are encouraged to book an appointment for an informal check and submission of nomination papers to ensure a smooth process. Appointments can be arranged by emailing [email protected] or calling 01594 812638.

Nomination papers are available from the council offices during the times above, or can be downloaded from the Forest of Dean District Council website.

If more than one candidate is nominated, a poll will be held on Thursday, July 3.

Residents must be registered to vote in order to take part in the election. The deadline to register is Tuesday, June 17.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5PM on Wednesday, June 18.

Voters who require a Voter Authority Certificate (for those without accepted photo ID) or an Anonymous Elector’s Document must apply by 5PM on Wednesday, June 25.

Applications for proxy voting must also be submitted by 5PM on Wednesday, June 25. In cases of medical or other emergencies, emergency proxy applications will be accepted up until 5PM on polling day.

The by-election offers Longhope residents a chance to shape the future of their local parish council.

Further details are available from Forest of Dean District Council’s Electoral Services.