PEOPLE in Southborough go to the polls on Thursday, March 11, to elect a successor to the late Walter Clary (Lab) for both the town council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Cllr Clary died in December at the age of 83 following a stroke. He had served as a councillor since 1991 and was mayor of Southborough in 1999-2000.

Voting takes place at two polling stations - St Matthew's Primary School in Powdermill Lane and the Charles Street Centre.

Both will be open from 8am to 9pm, and votes will later be counted at St Matthew's School.

Contesting the vacant Southborough and High Brooms seat on the borough council are: Colin Bothwell (Con), Alan Bullion (Lib Dem), David Belchem (Lab) and Victor Webb (UK Independence Party).

The same candidates, with the exception of Mr Belchem, are also seeking election to Southborough Town Council. The Labour candidate in this instance is Jacqueline Jedrzejewski.

• A memorial service celebrating Cllr Clary's life and contribution to the community will take place at St Peter's Church, Southborough, on Sunday, March 7, at 2.30pm.

Among those due to attend are the Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Wakefield (Con) and his wife, Ruth.