Councillor Paul Coward is stepping down from Melksham Town Council as he undergoes cancer treatment.

Mr Coward was diagnosed with throat cancer in December 2013, and as the condition has spread, he has decided to leave his role as a Conservative councillor.

The 59-year-old, of Foresters Park Road, Melksham, was elected in May 2013 and has been committed to town development and supporting the expansion of the residential housing around the town. He also has a background in health and safety and worked at Avon Rubber for 16 years.

There is now a vacancy for a councillor to be filled by co-option or election. If an election does take place, it will happen before April 7.