Axminster Town Council is appealing for new members to join it after an uncontested election earlier this month.

Only 12 candidates put themselves forward for 15 available seats on Axminster Town Council in the local elections held in early May.

This means there are currently three vacant seats on Axminster Town Council - one each for the Town, Weycroft and Raymonds Hill wards.

The council is now inviting candidates to put themselves forward by the deadline of June 5. Candidates will not have to face an election, but instead successful applicants will be co-opted, i.e. selected by current councillors.

A spokesperson for Axminster Town Council said: "If you wish to put yourself forward for co-option, please get in touch and we would be happy to talk through what the role entails, discuss the eligibility criteria and help you prepare a statement for submission to the council prior to the final decision of who is co-opted.

"Being a town councillor is a rewarding role, helping your fellow residents and (collectively) making decisions in the best interests of the town and ensuring that taxpayers money is well-spent on amenities, services and facilities that we all enjoy and use.

"The full council meets monthly on the second Monday of each month and there are also several committees that meet regularly to discuss specific matters that affect council business."

Those interested in standing for co-option to the town council should contact town clerk Paul Hayward on [email protected] or write to Axminster Town Council, The Guildhall, West Street, Axminster, Devon (EX13 5NX).