THREE candidates will now contest the vacant seat on the two-seat Wiveliscombe and West Deane ward on Taunton Deane Borough Council on Thursday, April 2.

Four people put their names forward for the seat but Steve Ross, who had planned to stand as an Independent, has now withdrawn his nomination.

The remaining candidates are: Eddie Gaines, of Ford Road, Wiveliscombe, Independent; Mike Harvey, Creedwell Orchard, Milverton, Conservative; and William Lukins, Stoke St Mary, UK Independence Party.

The vacancy was caused by the departure of former Independent Councillor John Bone who had attended no qualifying meetings of the Council over the past six months.