RESIDENTS are being asked to decide whether there should be an election after a Weymouth councillor stood down.

Former Wyke Regis town councillor Tim Griffiths decided to step down as an Independent councillor for personal reasons earlier this month, as reported.

People who are registered to vote in the Wyke Regis ward now have until January 31 to request for a by-election to be held to fill the vacancy.

Ten or more electors from the ward must request for an election for it to be held.

To do so, voters must put their request in writing to Dorset Council. The letter must also include your name, address and signature. Letters can be sent by post or as an email attachment.

Postal address: The Returning Officer, Dorset Council, South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UZ

Email address: elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Jane Biscombe, Weymouth town clerk, said:"If ten local government electors from the area covered by Weymouth Town Council request the returning officer from Dorset Council to hold an election to fill the vacancy, a by-election will be held.

"Weymouth Town Council hopes that a diverse range of candidates will be interested in becoming part of the council and helping with the important job of driving forward positive changes and improvements for the town."