Porthleven Town Council is having to pay out £200 every time it fails to fill its vacant seat.

The council is now on its third election to try to fill the remaining councillor position and will have to continue to pay out until someone joins.

This is because more than ten members of the public - the minimum required amount - requested the original two seats be filled by election, rather than co-option, which means that by law the process must continue until someone is found.

Last month Clair Murray stepped forward and was elected unopposed to fill one, attending her first meeting as councillor on Thursday.

The deadline for applications for this latest election is 4pm this Friday. To be eligible you must be 18 years or over and have at least one connection to the parish for at least 12 months: a registered voter, owner or tenant of a property or land; worked there; or live within three miles of the boundary.

Full details of how to obtain and submit nomination papers can be found at porthleventc.org.uk/porthleven-town-council-notice-of-election.

If only one candidate steps forward there will be no polling day, as they will be elected unopposed. However, if two or more people contest the seat the poll will be held on Thursday, August 16.