VOTERS in a Trowbridge ward could be called to the polls in June after the resignation of town councillor Ben Biddulph.

Residents living in the College ward are facing a by-election after the controversial former Liberal Democrat councillor left his post earlier this month.

Town clerk Doug Ross posted a letter to West Wiltshire District Council last week informing them of the vacancy.

Voters will have until the first week of April to request an election. Potential candidates need to collect 10 signatures from ward residents to force a by-election.

If no candidates come forward town councillors have the power to co-opt a member. If only one candidate comes forward they would automatically win the seat.

If a by-election is forced, then nominations have to be in by the second week in May, with the election held on June 10, to coincide with the national European elections.

l The Standards Board for England will continue its investigation into the conduct of former town councillor Ben Biddulph.

The 27-year-old resigned earlier this month amid an official probe into homophobic comments he made in a letter to the Wiltshire Times.