CANDIDATES are being urged to step forward to fill a vacancy in Melksham South Ward following the untimely death of Andy Hinchcliffe.

Melksham Town Council has posted a notice on its webpage announcing that a casual vacancy has arisen.

The council now requires ten registered electors to write to the Returning Officer Dr Carlton Brand at Wiltshire Council requesting that a local election be held before the end of January 2018.

If no-one steps forward to request the election, the town council will be able to co-opt someone to fill the casual vacancy.

Cllr Hinchcliffe died on September 27 aged 68 after several years of ill-health.

The retired motor industry worker had served as a member of the Melksham Town Council for the past four years.

Earlier this year, he was re-elected as one of five town councillors serving the Melksham South ward. He represented the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Hinchcliffe was married twice and has four children, Michelle, Nathan, Jordy and his youngest daughter Kelsey.

His funeral was held on October 12 at the West Wiltshire Crematorium near Semington.