A contested election will be held in Buntingford next month – for the first time in 12 years. In the last two town council elections, there have not been enough candidates to hold a poll, and this led to members being co-opted. But this year the following

A contested election will be held in Buntingford next month - for the first time in 12 years.

In the last two town council elections, there have not been enough candidates to hold a poll, and this led to members being co-opted.

But this year the following 14 people have been nominated to stand as candidates in the election on May 3:

- Brian Austin

- Surjit Basra

- Teresa Bonner

- Ron Bray

- Jean Cook

- David Ginn

- David Grant

- Deborah Lemay

- Jon Ling

- John Noades

- John Warren

- Pat Whittaker

- Eunice Woods

- Stan Bull

Councillors Kevin Michael and Abdul Chowdhury, however, have chosen not to stand this year.

Town clerk Jill Jones said: "At the council we're really pleased there will be an election because that's true democracy.

"I think we did all we could to try and encourage people to stand this year."

In the East Herts District Council elections the following people have been nominated:

- Deborah Lemay

- John Warren

- Stan Bull

- Anthony Martin

- Steven Stone

The verification of votes for district and town council will take place on Thursday May 3 at 10pm at Woodson Park, Ware.

Counting for East Herts District Council will take place the following day (Friday 4) from 9.30am-noon.

Town council counting will take place straight afterwards.