CHIPPENHAM town clerk Laurie Brown is worried no candidates are standing for the town council in the Monkton Park ward.

Veteran councillor Philip Allnatt has decided to stand as an Independent in Park Ward rather than Monkton Park and no other people have come forward.

Mr Brown said: "It is very worrying. This is an important ward in the town and this is the first time no candidates have come forward."

In several other wards there will be no contest because the number of people standing is the same or fewer than the number of seats on offer.

This is good news for Liberal Democrat Marian Strickland who is set to be the new deputy mayor and so can rest assured her civic role is safe.

But it is more of a worry for deputy mayor and fellow Lib Dem Sandra Oakes who faces opposition for her seat on Westcroft/Queens Ward. Here three seats are being contested by five candidates.

Unlike neighbouring towns there are no BNP candidates standing but there are two UKIP men. Andrew Meredith is standing for UKIP in London Road ward and John Frampton in Redland.

Two Labour candidates are being fielded. Outgoing Mayor Maureen Lloyd is standing in Redland and John Weems in Westcroft/Queens.

The Lib Dems have 16 candidates and the Conservatives ten.

The vacant seats left after the election can be filled by co-option.