A VILLAGE near Winchester is gearing up for its first election in two decades after a surge in interest in seats on the parish council.

Several of the 16 candidates to put their names forward to become a Kings Worthy parish councillor have clashed with the existing authority over specific issues such as the need for a playground and speed limit signs.

It will be the first time there have been enough candidates to trigger an election since 1991.

Candidate Judith Steventon Baker, 70, of Churchill Close, said she wanted to “shake up” the authority.

Current parish council chairman of Peter Warrener declined to comment. He is among nine current councillors that are standing for re-election.