There's a spare seat at Wells City Council's table following the resignation of Cllr Norman Kennedy – and local residents now have the chance to decide whether the vacancy is filled by election or appointment.

The official notice went up on 28 April, giving people 14 working days to get their voices heard. If ten registered voters from Wells write in to Somerset Council's Electoral Services team before the deadline, a by-election will be triggered.

If not, the council will go ahead and choose someone themselves through co-option – meaning the seat could be filled without a public vote.

Anyone who wants to request an election needs to send a written notice to:

The Chief Executive, Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY.

The 14-day countdown excludes weekends and bank holidays, so there's still time – but not much.

Cllr Kennedy's departure hasn't yet been formally explained, but it opens up a chance for a fresh face to join the city council at a time when key local issues are on the table – from accessibility and infrastructure to community services and planning matters.

The notice was issued by Haylee Wilkins, Parish Clerk to Wells City Council.

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If you've ever thought about standing for local office – or just want to make sure you have a say in who represents you – now's the time to act.