A BY-ELECTION has been announced following the death of a hugely popular Southampton councillor.

Tributes poured in following the death of Bitterne Ward Councillor Terry Streets at the end of August.

He was elected for a second time to represent his ward on Southampton City Council in May this year.

Southampton City Council has confirmed that the returning officer has received a letter from two electors requesting the vacancy to be filled.

This must now be progressed by law.

Today, the returning officer has published a notice of election for Bitterne ward, with the intention to hold a poll on December 1.

Following the election, the successful candidate will serve the remaining term created by the vacancy until May 2023.

Voting will only take place in the Bitterne ward.

Nomination papers may be obtained from the office of the returning officer at the Civic Centre, Southampton. Nominations close at 4pm on Friday, November 4.

Mark Heath, returning officer responsible for elections in Southampton, said: "As this is a by-election, we have a shorter than usual deadline following the notice of election for people that aren't registered to vote to make sure they are.

"I encourage people in the Bitterne ward to make sure they can have their say. It takes just a few minutes to register to vote online.

"You can find out more on the Your Vote Matters website, or by reading our 'Guide to Voting' on the Southampton City Council website."

Eligible electors in Bitterne who are not already registered to vote must do so before Midnight on Tuesday, November 15, in order to take part in the by-election.

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