A BY-ELECTION will be held in Bembridge next week (Thursday).

Villagers can head to the polls on June 13 between 7am and 10pm to vote for their next Bembridge Parish Councillor.

Standing in the election is Jay Chapman, and Mark Watkins.

Mr Watkins — whose priorities including retaining 5/7 High Street — said: "My wife and I have lived in and loved this fantastic village for a number of years.

"I have watched with horror the antics of this chaotic and incompetent parish council.

"I have attended all the recent council meetings over the last year and am familiar with all the current issues, particularly financial ones."

He has a background in IT and project management.