Tenby will be going to the polls in the New Year, following the recent resignations of two town councillors.

Clr. Ben James stepped down in September, followed by Clr. John Griffiths last month, leaving two positions to be filled on the town council.

Whilst the closing date for the first position vacated expired without an election being requested by North Ward residents, the town clerk Andrew Davies explained to members at their meeting on Tuesday, that Pembrokeshire County Council had received a request for a by-election to be held to fill the vacancy created by Clr. Griffiths’s resignation.

“We cannot legally hold an election for both seats, meaning that the first vacancy has to be filled by co-option,” Mr. Davies said.

“However, the advice I have received is that it would not be practical to do this until after the election.

“The polling date for the second vacancy has been set for January 11, a notice calling the election will be published on December 4, and candidate nominations will be open between December 5 and 12,” he added.

Once the by-election has been determined, and this seat filled, then councillors will be in a position to co-opt for the first vacancy.