A QUARTET of potential councillors have entered the race for a vacant seat on Rhuddlan Town Council following the resignation of Rob Williams.

Three of the candidates are standing as independents along with one who is standing for the Conservative Party.

The candidates are Sophie Baker, standing on behalf of the Welsh Conservative Party plus independent candidates Dave Farrall, Max Richardson and Andrew Smith.

The election was triggered after Mr Williams resigned as a councillor last month. In his scathing resignation letter he accused the town council of a lack of engagement, wasting money and only working in the vested interests of a small group of councillors. 

One of the central themes of his resignation was the plight of Rhuddlan Town FC and the council's refusal to grant a lease for the protected Admiral's Field.

"There is a complete disregard to what people of the village want and each time I suggested that we engage more I was ignored," he wrote.

"At the meetings I have attended I have found them to be confrontational, aggressive at times, with some councillors who speak out being dismissed or ridiculed."

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At a heated October town council meeting his allegations were refuted, with Mayor Val Simmons stating: "In a vote for Rhuddlan Town Football Club using Admiral’s Field, the councillors declared a personal interest and were fully entitled to vote. The councillors who had issues with this vote have been told on numerous occasions that they must complain to the Welsh Ombudsman.

"To date, no formal complaint has been submitted to the Ombudsman."

Cllr Mike Kermode added: "Rob has made serious allegations about the town council. In my opinion they are unfounded and he gives no evidence. 

"If he's got any evidence of wrongdoing he needs to take it to the Ombudsman."

The polls will open to choose a new councillor for Rhuddlan on Thursday November 28.

Those not registered to vote must do so by Tuesday, November 12 to have their say. Those who wish to vote by proxy must apply to do so by Wednesday, April 20.  All applications are required in writing and must arrive before the deadline. Applicants should mail their requests to the Electoral Registration Officer at County Hall, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1YN.