FOUR people will be fighting it out to fill two vacancies on Okehampton Town Council on October 31.

A by-election will be held on this day to decide the two new councillors from candidates John Maguire, Patrick Shea, Janet Stanley and David Weekes.

The seats have become vacant following the resignations of Bill Bourne and Robert Owers.

Formerly in the Merchant Navy, John Maguire, 59, came to Okehampton 32 years ago.

He worked for Inkprint for seven years and spent some time working behind the bar in the Kings Arms.

Mr Maguire said now he was retired he had time to concentrate on other things and wanted to help the town in some way.

?We have to be careful about the way forward for the town ? we need affordable homes, better transport and good quality jobs,? he said.

As a member of the West Devon Community Safety Partnership, Okehampton Lions and Probus Club and vice-chairman of Okehampton and District Community Transport Patrick Shea is very involved in the community. He is also a prominent member of Devon Action Forum which is an organisation speaking up for the rights of older people.

Mr Shea said one of his main concerns was traffic congestion in Okehampton: ?At the moment Okehampton looks like one big car park and this needs addressing,? he said.

Former barber Janet Stanley is not afraid to speak her mind and this was evident when she campaigned against the enhancement scheme by West Devon Borough Council for the St James Chapel area.

The 50-year-old said there was a lot of opposition to the scheme from townspeople and she was representing them.

?In a way it was that which made me feel I could be a councillor, plus I am Okehampton born and bred, have had a business in the town and was chairman of the carnival committee for 11 years,? she said.

?Okehampton is growing quickly but we have to make sure we keep a good community here and have all the services and infrastructure we need or there is a danger it will become one big housing estate.?

Father-of-four David Weekes is the youngest candidate at 43 and has children at both the primary school and Okehampton College.

He is interested in youth issues and is a supporter of the football and rugby clubs.

Now a gas technician, he once owned several businesses in the town including a taxi firm, video shop and fruit and veg shop.

He said he believed everybody should be treated fairly and Okehampton should be providing for all sectors of the community equally.

Have your say on October 31.