A BY-ELECTION will be held for a seat on Chepstow Town Council following the resignation of Gerry Rowe, one of three councillors representing St Christopher's ward.

Voting will take place on Thursday 28th May at the Bulwark Community Centre, Laburnam Way, Chepstow with the polls open between 7am and 10pm.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) – which administers electoral arrangements on behalf of town and community councils within the area – agreed to hold the by-election on this date rather than on Thursday 7th May, the day of the general election. 

This was partially because the request for a by-election was not received until poll cards for the general election had been printed and were ready for dispatch. 

Also, the decision to hold the ballot later in May gives candidates enough time to submit nomination papers to the council, (deadline for candidates is 29th April) and ensures that the by-election is not overshadowed by the national poll.

Holding both elections on the same day could have created difficulties as the electorate differs for the two ballots. 

MCC's returning officer, Paul Matthews, said: "Holding the Chepstow Town Council by-election for the St Christopher's ward on (Thursday) 28th May will ensure the best possible outcome for the democratic process