A BY-ELECTION to replace a former councillor who died earlier this year will not be held because no-one has been nominated to fill the post.

Waltham Abbey Town Councillor Mike Reilly passed away earlier this year after a long illness, but subsequent adverts calling for someone to replace him went unanswered.

The authority has now said the post will be filled by co-option, meaning a resident can become a councillor simply by filling in an application form, which will then have to be approved by the council.

Anyone interested should write to the Town Clerk, Waltham Abbey Town Council, Town Hall, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DE by Friday July 23.

Applicants should detail their qualifications and reasons for applying in the letter.