By-elections called for two Fenland town councils, while Outwell Parish Council hopes to co-opt new member

Three local councils are looking for new recruits to fill vacancies after resignations by councillors in the past couple of months.

Electors in March and Chatteris will be going to the polls next month after enough parishioners in each town petitioned for a by-election.

In March the vote was prompted by the resignation of Stuart Harris, who was in danger of being forced off the town council for failing to turn up for the required number of meetings.

At the monthly meeting on Monday clerk Sarah Lemmon asked councillors whether they wanted to spend money on producing polling cards for those eligible to vote in March East Ward.

Councillors agreed to spend £2,820 on having the polling cards printed and sent out as they felt it was the right thing to do for “democracy”.

They unanimously agreed polling cards were the best option to ensure everyone was aware of the by-election on February 27 and the opportunity to choose their new representative.

Meanwhile, in Chatteris, the town councillors made a similar decision at their meeting on Tuesday.

Clerk Jo Melton told members that enough voters from the town’s Slade Lode South Ward had petitioned for a by-election to replace former councillor Ken Perrin who resigned last month.

Cllr Perrin was himself elected in a by-election in March last year as a representative of the British Democrats party.

His resignation came at the same time he was being threatened with potential legal action by a developer at December’s meeting over comments he had made on social media.

Architect Lee Bevens outlined his concerns over Mr Perrin’s remarks on Facebook in respect of developments that Mr Bevens had planned in the town during the council’s open forum.

Mr Perrin was not present at the December meeting and had not submitted his apologies but as the debate was raging in the council chamber over his behaviour he was busy resigning as both a town councillor and as a member of the British Democrats Party.

He posted to Facebook to say: “Nothing to do with anything else other than my party being reluctant to shake off their associations from the past. I have never been linked to or a member of any repugnant and vile organisation, but certain party members would not let them go.

“I was getting the backlash. I believe in contesting through the ballot box and it is enough fighting the opposition - let alone fighting the past members' associations.

“It has been a great privilege in serving and knowing you and would like to take this opportunity in thanking you for your support and - to some of you, your opposition. I wish you all the best. Ken.”

He also sent a brief email to town clerk Mrs Melton to say he had resigned “as of now”.

Mrs Melton asked for councillors views on having polling cards printed for the by-election next month and like their neighbours in March members felt they were important to ensure everyone knew of the voting opportunity.

In Outwell parishioners have until pm on Friday, January 31, to put their name forward to become a member of the village’s parish council.

A vacancy has arisen as a result of Cllr Sarah Arden resigning.

A statement on the council’s website and shared on social media says: “We are looking for another member to join Outwell Parish Council. If you feel you can help the community and represent the people in the parish, then please apply in writing to the clerk at outwellpc@btinternet.com with your contact details and why you believe you would be an asset to the council.”

Applications will be looked at by councillors at their meeting on Tuesday, February 4, with a view to co-opting a new member.