A VACANCY has become available on a town council after one councillor has handed in his resignation.

Peter Groucott was announced as one of the winners in the elections earlier this month despite polling the third lowest number of votes with 189.

His wife Karen Groucott, who was also standing recorded 320 votes but did not get a seat.

Lindsay Tomlinson, electoral services manager at Allerdale Council, issued a statement apologising to Mr and Mrs Groucott for the mix-up.

“After the result for the Silloth-On-Solway parish council ward had been announced, it was realised the returning officer had mistakenly declared that Peter John Groucott had been elected, when the seat should have gone to Karen Groucott.

“Due to electoral law, once the result is formally announced, it has to stand.”

At a council meeting on May 13 Mr Groucott handed his letter of resignation to the town council clerk, meaning the town council had to advertise the vacancy.

Wendy Jameson, town clerk, said: “A notice was put up the next day and has to be displayed for a period of 14 days.

“During that time a bye-election could be called by 10 local elections. If a bye-election is not called, the town council can then proceed to fill the vacancy by co-option, at the next earliest opportunity.”

The notice of vacancy was dated May 14.

Notice of election must be given in writing to the returning officer within the 14 day period. Details can be found on Silloth-on-Solway Town Council’s Facebook page.