Green Councillor Catriona Stamp, who has represented the Castle Ward since her election in 2007 and previously represented Scotforth West Ward from 2003 to 2007, has resigned from Lancaster City Council.
“Over the last year I have struggled to fulfil my duties as a councillor, due to ill health and an increase in other commitments,” she explained. “These problems are set to continue, so I feel that my resignation is best, both for me and for people in my ward.”
Catriona, who is well known as a local artist (see www.artistsbooks.org), has been active member of the Lancaster community for many years. In addition to her work as a councillor she is also a member of the Lancashire branch of NCBI – National Coalition Building Institute – and has helped organise the marking of Holocaust Memorial Day each year. She’s also involved in Seed Savers, who organise the annual Apple Day and Potato Days.
The Notice of Election advertising the vacancy has been published immediately and it is anticipated that the vacancy in the Castle Ward will be filled by a by-election to be held on June 4 2009, on the same day as those for Lancashire County Council, Morecambe Parish Council and the European Parliament. Nominations close at 4.00pm on Thursday 7 May.
• Nomination packs for the by-election, along with those for the county council and Morecambe Parish Council, can be obtained from the Elections Office from Monday April 27 by telephoning 01524 582905. People with access to the internet can also download nomination forms by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/elections.
• Nomination forms for election to the European Parliament are available by emailing nwrro@manchester.gov.uk, telephoning 0161 234 4098 or writing to: Office of the Regional Returning Officer for the North West, Manchester City Council, Town Hall, Manchester, M60 2LA.