A BY-ELECTION could take place in Tavistock shortly — but residents are being warned that no cards will be issued for use on polling day.

There are three vacant seats on Tavistock Town Council, following the resignation of councillors Lynne Rose, David Rose and Ashley Tossell.

Mr and Mrs Rose represented the town's south west ward — no-one has requested an election in that ward so the council may co-opt two new members.

However, ten residents have requested a by-election should take place in the north ward, to elect a councillor to succeed Mr Tossell.

Town clerk Carl Hearn told councillors last week that the notice of election had been posted and the closing date for nominations would be July 26.

Mr Hearn said if more than one candidate stood, the cost of an election would be in the region of £2,900 — but this figure did not include polling cards. This would cost an additional £1,450.

Cllr Sue Bailey said: 'I would say we could probably get away with not having polling cards, as long as the election was advertised well enough and people were told where to vote.'

Cllr Philip Sanders said: 'I would support providing poll cards, I don't believe it will significantly affect the turnout.'

Cllr Mandy Ewings suggested if two candidates were to stand, perhaps one could be asked if they would like to represent the South West ward.

'We wouldn't have to have an election then,' said Cllr Ewings, who wondered if whoever had called for an election had realised how much it would cost to stage.

Cllr Anne Johnson suggested there should be a large notice outside the town hall advising the public of the election, notice of which should also be placed on the town council's website.

Cllr Johnson said it would also be interesting to find out who had asked for the election to take place, bearing in mind the cost of the exercise.

If more than one person is nominated for the vacant seat, a by-election will take place on August 22.

To be eligible for election, candidates must be on the electoral role, live within three miles of Tavistock, own land within Tavistock or work within the town. A full list of criteria is contained on the nomination forms which can be obtained from West Devon Borough Council's offices at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock.