NOTICES have gone up in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, appealing for candidates to take the places of three councillors who last week stepped down from North Claines Parish Council.

John Jeffery, Celia Bradnock and Sam Price all resigned in protest at the election of Coun John Carter as the parish's planning committee chairman.

Coun Carter, who has also been elected as the council's vice chairman, was suspended for three months by Wychavon District Council's standards committee in January after he was found guilty of failing to declare an interest in a planning application.

Following his resignation, Mr Jeffery said the appointment brought the council into disrepute.

Prospective candidates have until Tuesday, June 8 to put their name forward and they must be supported by at least 10 electors from the parish.

Anyone interested should write to the Returning Officer at Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT.

If an election is called it will be held no later than Thursday, August 5.