Voters will be able to select a new town councillor for Egremont South ward at a by-election next week.

Three independent candidates - Jo Bell, Tom Higgins and Henry Chadwick - are standing for a place on Egremont Town Council. The polling day has been organised for Thursday, May 5.

Mrs Bell, who is on the committee at Florence Mine, said: "I would like to be actively involved in the community and I care about looking out for each other. 

"If I can set a good example by showing an interest in improving the visual appeal of Egremont - tackling littering, dog fouling and adding colour and beauty to the town - this could make a huge difference to how people feel about our local area."

She added: "I am keen to get more involved in local events. High profile artists coming to Florence Mine and the Market Hall will bring revenue into the town - helping to put Egremont more firmly on the map."

While Mr Higgins said: "I was born here sixty two years ago and I have lived here ever since. I am married with two daughters, who were educated at Bookwell and Wyndham schools.

"I have a strong affinity for the town and I feel that I have a lot to offer in the ongoing struggle to make it a decent place for the present and future generations to bring up their families. 

"I would be delighted if you would consider my candidacy and if I am elected I will do my absolute best to never let the people of Egremont down."

And Mr Chadwick, who has lived in the area for 10 years and volunteers at the foodbank, said: "Through volunteering I come into contact with a wide range of local people. The council is the local form of government and I believe it should be more accessible to the people.

"My primary concern is that people should have a say in how their community is administered, and I hope to facilitate this. 

"My views do not align with one end of the political spectrum, although they tend towards libertarianism and individuality than authoritarianism, which is why I do not align myself with any political party."