After announcing that three Alton Town Council seats will be vacant after the elections on May 4 because of a lack of candidates, the council is seeking to co-opt members to fill these vacancies.

They are for seats in Amery, Ashdell and Whitedown wards. The co-option notices are on the council website at www.alton.gov.uk/elections/

Former Rear View Mirror columnist Peter Desmond-Thomas is an Independent candidate for the Amery seat.

Anyone else interested should send a letter of introduction to the town clerk, including details on why they would like to be a councillor, by May 9 so the seats can be filled at the annual meeting on May 17.