A vacancy has arisen for a seat on the Council to represent Derby Ward in the Borough of Douglas after Mr Ferdinand Pabellan stepped down due to ill health.

The successful candidate will join Councillor Miss Debbie Pitts and Mr Councillor Colin Cain in representing the Ward.

Douglas Borough Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘The Council’s recent support of National Democracy Week, when we held an open afternoon at Douglas Town Hall, demonstrated that there is an appetite for people to learn more about the democratic process and a councillor’s role in serving the electorate.

‘I would therefore urge all those eligible to exercise their right to vote. Historically, turnout for local elections tends to be disappointingly low, but strong voter participation can make a very real difference to the effectiveness of local government, by contributing to informing the decision-making process, helping to shape policy and determining the future of our town.’

Forms of nomination are available from Douglas Town Hall and must be submitted by the deadline of 5pm on Friday July 13 2018.

Should more than one nomination be received by that date polling will take place on Thursday August 9, 2018.