AN ILMINSTER town councillor has stepped down from her role, becoming the second to do so this year.

Jo Sothern announced last Tuesday (April 18) that she would be standing down from her position on the council due to health reasons.

She first represented the town on the council in 2011 when she was co-opted to the role, and was re-elected in 2015.

Earlier this year, councillor Fred Albin stepped down from his role on the council and last year three councillors stood down - Sophie Storey and former mayors, Rose Neave and Carol Goodall.

This means the town could be set for two town council elections in the coming months, in addition to the county council election on May 4 and the general election on June 8.

Mrs Sothern said: “My health is now not allowing me to devote the amount of time necessary to fully commit to council duties.

“I would, however, like to state that I don’t think Ilminster has the infrastructure to cope with any additional housing, be it Shudrick Valley or Canal Way.

“I stood as an independent in the hopes of representing the residents of Ilminster and enjoyed my time on the council, but all good things come to an end eventually.

“What a lot of people don’t realise is Ilminster councillors are all volunteers and do not receive any money. It takes up a lot of time and many hours are spent discussing issues and research before decisions are reached.

“Obviously, I didn’t agree with some of the decisions but that is what democracy is all about.

“My aims when standing were to represent ‘Joe Public’ and I like to think that overall I achieved this.”

Last week also saw the deadline pass to nominate a member of the public to replace Mr Albin. If more than one person is nominated to contest the seat, then an election poll will be held on Thursday, May 18.

If 10 people from Ilminster also request an election for Jo Sothern’s seat, then the town council will be not able to co-opt a new councillor and another election will be held.

Requests for an election must be submitted to The Proper Officer, SSDC, Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2HT.

A deadline has not yet been set for this application process.