A BY-ELECTION in the Wee County which was suspended due to coronavirus is planned to go ahead in November.

A vacant seat in the Clackmannanshire East Ward was due to be filled at a by-election earlier in March.

However, due to the growing concerns around public health at the time the decision was taken to suspend it.

It was announced last week there are plans to call local electors to the ballots on November 19 this year, taking into consideration the current public health advice.

This will be reviewed as time goes on to ensure it can go ahead safely for everyone involved.

A notice by Clackmannanshire Council said: “A further postponement is possible, but the intention is to fill the vacancy as soon as it is practicable.”

The seat in Clacks East was left vacant after Councillor Bill Mason stepped down due to serious ill health.

Before the by-election was suspended, five hopefuls were announced for the seat.

John Biggam was picked as the candidate for the Liberal Democrats, Denis Coyne was in the race for the Conservatives, Labour selected Carolynne Hunter, the SNP picked Stephen Leitch while Marion Robertson was ready to contest for the Greens.

At the time, the candidates asked by the Advertiser agreed the suspension of the by-election was the right thing to do to protect public health.

It is understood, however, that if they look to stand in November, all the formal steps to nominate candidates will have to be taken again.

The ward in question covers Clackmannan, Dollar and Muckhart areas.