Two councillors have left Alton Town Council within three days of each other.

First to go, on December 12, was Alton Ashdell member Christopher Lawrence, who resigned after what the council called “a change in personal circumstances”. And on December 15 Amanda Durley, one of the ward councillors for Alton Amery, ceased to be a councillor because of “an inability to attend meetings”.

Alton Town Council clerk Leah Coney said: “Due to the vacancies occurring within six months of a scheduled election next May, there is no mechanism for a by-election to be called and the seats will remain vacant, with any enquiries being requested to be sent to the town hall or to other ward councillors.

“We thank both councillors for their service.”

Alton Town Hall will close for Christmas at 12.30pm tomorrow (Friday) and will re-open at 9am on December 28. It will also be closed on January 2 and re-open at 9am on January 3.