Councillors in Wem will assess candidates for a vacancy on the town council through written applications before making a decision.

It was announced at Thursday’s April meeting that a by-election had not been called so councillors were able to co-opt a new member onto the council at the May meeting.

The deadline for vacancy applications will be May 23, giving councillors a week to assess the written presentations from any potential new councillors as they will be included as part of the May 31 meeting papers.

If an outstanding candidate is apparent, councillors will then vote to welcome them onto the council to replace Clive Shingler, who recently stood down.

However, councillors decide that if a stand-out candidate did not become apparent from the written applications, then the process will be whittled down further, including potential personal presentations.

Meanwhile, at Thursday's meeting, councillors completed two surveys on behalf of Wem Town Council, including one for the West Mercia Police Crime Commissioner John Campion about police performance in the town.

Councillors rated the police job in the town as 'fair' but said it has poor visibility in Wem; however, they felt that West Mercia Police officers worked well with the council, including knowledge of who local police officers are and how to contact them.

Councillors also rated levels of crimes in the area.

They also responded to a survey from Shropshire Council regarding the Environment Maintenance Grant Programme's budget for 2018-2021.

Town clerk Penny O'Hagan asked councillors to include grass cutting as part of question one and eligible criteria and to object to question three completely, which discusses councils providing value for money.

Mrs O'Hagan added she felt the council would not be eligible for the maintenance grant if these objections or amendments are ignored.

Other items discussed include accept a quote of £1,700 to repair children's play equipment in the town but deferred a quote of £1,500 for cemetery works to welcome more quotes.

The next meeting is on May 31.