Notice of Vacancy – Gorse Covert Ward
A vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
Published: 21 August 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that due to the resignation of Ian Atkin, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
If by 10 September 2026 (14 days excluding Dies Non, after the date of this notice) a request for an election to fill said vacancy is made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TEN electors for the said Parish ward, an election will be held to fill the said vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be filled by co-option.
Rule 5 of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006 provides that on a casual vacancy occurring in the office of Parish councillor, an election to fill the vacancy shall be held, if within fourteen days* after the date of this notice, (i.e. no later than 10 September 2026) in accordance with section 87(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, notice in writing of a request for such an election has been given to the Proper Officer of the council of the district within which the Parish Ward is situated by TEN electors for the Parish Ward.
If an election is called it will take place no later than 12 November 2026. If a request for an election is not received by the above deadline, then the Parish Council will co-opt a person to fill the vacancy as soon as practicable in accordance with the Local Elections (Parish and Communities) Rules 1986. The Proper Officer is Sarah Smith, Chief Executive, Warrington Borough Council, 1 Time Square, Warrington WA1 2NT.
Birchwood Town Council
Dated 20 August 2026
Sarah Smith
Returning Officer
1 Time Square
Warrington
WA1 2NT