There will be a by-election in the West Ward of Ross-on-Wye on March 23rd. The clerk of Ross Town Council explained, at the meeting on Monday, February 13th, that it would cost the Town Council between £2,500 and £3,000 to hold the election. There would be an extra charge if polling cards were required.

This would cost about £740 if council operatives delivered the card. However, the Clerk explained that the figures were approximate and based on an election in a similar area recently.

Councillor Richard Mayo said that he was, “uncomfortable with the extra expenditure.”

He said:?“I think with a bit of co-operation we could have found candidates to co-opt.”

Councillor Nigel Gibbs said that when the previous by-election was held in the North Ward there had been reports that residents were confused as to where they should vote. He said:?“It will probably be a very low turn out as historically Ross by-elections have a low turn out.”

Councillor Chris Bartrum proposed that they accept the offer of polling cards delivered at a cost of £740 but would not pay more.

The clerk said that was probably not possible as the figures were an approximate amount. Councillor Daniel Lister said:?“We cannot vote on approximates.”

Cllr Gibbs added:?“We must not forget this is not our money it is a cost to the ratepayers of Ross.

He added:?“We have to accept the election but do not have to have polling cards.”

The Councillors voted not to authorise the sending out of polling cards.

Candidate information is not available until the Statement of Persons Nominated is published on Monday, February 27th.