Candidates are preparing for an upcoming by-election over two vacant seats on Beccles Town Council.

A seat on both the Centre and Common wards has become available due to recent departures.

Frank Richardson has decided to leave his seat on the Common ward after moving away from the area. Also leaving the council is Brian Woodruff who represented the Centre ward.

The Beccles Centre seat will be competed by independent David Mansell Cooper, Renee Kathuria from the Beccles New Independents Party and Neil John Peek from United Beccles.

The Beccles Common seat will also be contested between United Beccles candidate Elaine Curtis and Julia Janney from the Beccles New Independents Party.

The by-election will take place on Thursday, February 9 and votes will be taken in between 7am and 10pm at Beccles Public Hall.