Residents in Longhope have backed the three remaining members of Longhope Parish Council in a parish poll organised by Forest of Dean District Council.

The poll, held on Monday, May 11, asked residents four questions relating to the conduct and future of the councillors following concerns raised within the parish.

A total of 169 ballot papers were verified from an electorate of 1,332, representing a turnout of 12.7 per cent.

On the first question, asking whether residents had confidence the councillors were properly representing and serving the parish and acting in the electorate’s best interests, 104 people voted yes and 61 voted no.

The second question asked whether residents believed the councillors had acted properly and shown respect for their positions. A total of 101 residents voted yes, while 63 voted no.

Residents were also asked whether the three remaining councillors should be allowed to remain in office. Again, 104 people voted yes, compared with 61 no votes.

The final question asked whether there was a public interest and need for Forest of Dean District Council’s monitoring officer to investigate and deal with any alleged breaches of the code of conduct by the councillors. On that question, 95 residents voted no and 69 voted yes.

One ballot paper was rejected after marks were made which could have identified the voter, resulting in four rejected votes overall. Several other ballot papers were partially rejected because they were either left blank or marked incorrectly on individual questions.

The results were published by returning officer Nigel Brinn on Monday evening.

Parish polls are advisory only and are designed to measure opinion on matters. Under legislation, the outcome is not legally binding on the parish council. Forest of Dean District Council said the costs of the poll will be recharged to the parish council.