THE clerk of Baschurch Parish Council has moved to assure residents that there are no 'untoward' reasons for mass vacancies on the council.

Five spots on the 10-seat council are up for election, including chairman Councillor Sarah Richards, with the current seats of Cllrs John Lloyd, Linda McMaster, Jonathan Carr, and Paul Ridgley all being put forward.

But Anne Hayes, while admitting this was a first in her career, says the reason is just down to timing.

"Most of them are of an older age and it's just one of those things – it's a coincidence that it's happening," she said.

"One position is open because one of the councillors has swapped wards, so they haven't left the council as such, just moving to a different ward in Weston Lullingfields.

"Quite a few of them have been here for quite some time really.

"There's nothing untoward about them all leaving, it's just one of those things were people made the decision at the same time.

"I knew the chairman was leaving because she wants to do different things in her life."

The 14-day period for residents to request a by-election for the wards ends on May 29.

If not enough come forward, then parish councillors will be able to co-opt new members.