A cost of £1454 has been incurred by Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council for the North ward election in May - for which no candidates came forward.

The details emerged in a meeting of the town councillors last night (Tuesday, 20 July), when temporary town clerk Joanna Jeffrey revealed that the town council had been notified by Maldon District Council of the election costs.

The election was held on 6 May. Joanna said: "While the residents called for this election, no one came forward to stand."

She said that £1383 had been charged to the town council for the pollcards, with £71 being charged to cover extra election costs.

She added: "Nobody turned up to the poll station to vote, which they wouldn't because no one was nominated."

Councillor Vanessa Bell, who is also the town mayor, called the costs "a waste of taxpayers' money".

The councillors unanimously voted to query the costs with Maldon's elections officer.