TWO councillors have stepped down in Shepton Mallet – meaning the town could soon face an election to install new representatives.

East ward members Robert Heaton and Tom Makin have resigned from Shepton Mallet Town Council (SMTC), leaving two seats on the authority unfilled.

“The town council wishes to thank both Robert and Tom for the time, energy and commitment they have given to the council and the community during their periods in office,” an SMTC spokesperson said.

“We recognise the personal and voluntary contribution that councillors make and are grateful for their service.”

Now, town residents will dictate the next steps – with new councillors either co-opted (installed without an election by councillors), or an election being held to fill the seats.

A Notice of Vacancy was published on September 3, triggering a 14-day period in which electors may request the vacancies be filled by election.

In order for an election to be held, at least 10 people from the East ward must write to Somerset Council to request a vote.

The requests must be submitted in writing to the Returning Officer at Somerset Council by Tuesday, September 23.

READ MORE: Politics news from your Somerset Leveller

Residents in the East ward can email a request to elections@somerset.gov.uk, or send written requests to The Returning Officer, Somerset Council, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY.

Requests must be in writing (email or hard copy), include the name and address of the elector making the request, and clearly state that the request is for an election to be held to fill a vacancy in Shepton East Ward.

People may write something like: “I am a registered elector of Shepton East Ward, and I request that an election be held to fill the vacancy on Shepton Mallet Town Council.”

The elections team will be able to look up the name on the register and confirm that they are registered to vote and therefore can make the request.