DISGRUNTLED residents have accused their town council of interfering with democracy by trying to prevent an election.

Millom Town Council has received complaints from people who believe procedural errors were made in the advertising of its new “casual vacancy”.

The vacancy was created following the death of Councillor Raymond Cole, with protocol stating a by-election must be held to determine who can fill Mr Cole’s role.

However some residents have voiced concerns to both the town and Copeland Borough Council over how this has been handled, suggesting that there was a “lack of understanding” by councillors of the law and that electors were being “prevented” from having their say.

The town’s mayor, Cllr Angela Dixon, denied this was the case and and said: “The only thing that wasn’t done 100 per cent was the wrong name has been put on the the form.”

Copeland Council were also quick to confirm that no foul play had taken place and the vacancy had simply been printed with errors.

Pat Graham, acting returning officer, said: “After consulting with the Electoral Commission, the Department for Communities and Local Government and Millom Town Council, I am writing to Millom Town Council to request that it restarts its process in relation to a recent vacancy on the council.

“I am of the opinion that the notice of vacancy was not correctly completed ahead of an individual being co-opted on to the council and the co-opted individual has not yet signed the declaration of office, so this co-option should be cancelled and the vacancy process should begin again.”

The new and accurate vacancy has since been reposted in the hope of replacing Mr Cole swiftly and smoothly.

Copeland Council is in the process of producing guidance for parish councils regarding casual vacancies.

The vacancy can be found at www.millomtowncouncil.co.uk/notice-board/