Polls open in local election

VOTERS go to the polls today (Thursday) in Tavistock's north ward, to elect a new member to the town council.

The election was called after the resignation of David Stapleton earlier this year, who stepped down from the council for personal reasons.

Candidates standing for election are Anthony Everitt for the Liberal Democrats, Jane Ramsey for the Conservatives and Harry Smith, Independent.

Town clerk Roger Howard said the turnout at the last town council by-election was just 18% and he hoped as many people in the north ward as possible would come out and vote. The polling station in Tavistock Pannier Market will be open from 8am to 9pm.

There are 17 seats on Tavistock Town Council — the current make-up of the council is five Liberal Democrats, two Conservatives, one Labour and the remaining members are Independent.