LITTLE more than a month since the most recent round of local elections, residents in Kempshott will once again be asked to go to the polls next month.

A by-election is to be held in the ward after Councillor Anne Court ceased to be a councillor as a consequence of a serious health issue.

The polls will open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, 21 June.

As previously reported in The Gazette, despite serving on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for 23 years, due to national legislation Mrs Court had to step away from the role as she had not attended a meeting in six months due to poor health.

Having undergone an operation, Anne was expected to have a six-week recovery period and would be back carrying out her duties as a councillor.

However, blood clots formed in her left knee which stopped the blood flow going to her foot, meaning Anne faced the possibility she would have to have part of her leg amputated.

However, now on the mend, Mrs Court is set to stand for the seat she has held for so many years, once again representing the Conservatives.

As well as Mrs Court contesting the seat Alex Lee will be standing as the candidate for Labour and Stavroulla O’Doherty will be hoping it is third times a charm as she once again stands as the Liberal Democrats candidate.

This will be the third time that people who live in Kempshott will have been to the polls this year as a by-election was held in March following the death of former Basingstoke and Deane mayor Rita Burgess in December last year.

This resulted in Cllr Tony Capon becoming the new Conservative representing the Kempshott ward, winning by more than 300 votes.

In the borough elections earlier this month, Cllr Hayley Eachus comfortably held her seat with 1,298 votes, which was more than 800 votes than her nearest rival.

Residents wishing to cast a vote via post must have their vote submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, 6 June and can be sent by e-mail to postal.voters@basingstoke.gov.uk or the civic offices in London Road.

Those voting by proxy have until 5pm on Wednesday, 13 June and can submit their vote through e-mail to proxy.voters@basingstoke.gov.uk or to the civic offices.

For full details, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/kempshott-ward-vacancy.