Two new town councillors have been appointed to fill vacant seats in the north and south wards of Burnham-on-Crouch.

The town council voted to co-opt Katherine Wilson for the vacant South Ward seat and Diane Carter for the North Ward seat during a full council meeting last night (Tuesday 19 October).

Katherine has lived in Burnham since she was five years old, and recently opened family printing business Pelican Prints on the High Street.

She told councillors that she is "committed to equality" and cited her desire to help businesses become more wheelchair accessible.

She also highlighted her experience in business and events management - for instance, her recent work for the committee which organises Burnham Carnival.

Telling members that she will "look at the town with a fresh set of eyes" as councillor, she said that she hopes to raise community spirit among residents.

Diane is also a long-term resident of the town, having lived in Burnham full-time since 2000.

Now retired, she told councillors that she wants to play an active role in the community.

She said: "Now I've got time for me, and Covid has given me the time to think about what I want to do."

Describing herself as "fair-minded, driven and committed to equality and fair practice", she told members that she would be a "good advocate" for the town.

"I would certainly go out and want to speak to people," she said.

She also cited "overdevelopment and lack of resources in schools and doctors' surgeries" as key concerns among residents.

Councillor Vanessa Bell, the town mayor, proposed to co-opt Diane for the vacant North Ward seat and Katherine for the South Ward - this was voted through by members.