Glastonbury is facing two elections at once following the death of long-serving councillor Nicholas James Cottle, who held seats on both Somerset Council and Glastonbury Town Council.

Cllr Cottle, a well-known figure in the town for decades, passed away last month. His loss has left two empty chairs — one at county level, and one at parish level — and both could soon be filled by the ballot box.

The Somerset Council by-election in the Glastonbury division has already been set. If contested, voters will head to the polls on 23 October. Anyone hoping to stand must get their nomination papers in by 4pm on Friday 26 September, delivered to Somerset Council, Electoral Services, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT.

Voters need to be registered by midnight on Tuesday 7 October. On polling day, everyone must show photo ID — such as a passport, driving licence or older person's bus pass. Out-of-date ID will do, as long as it still looks like you. Those without acceptable ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, but the cut-off is 5pm on Wednesday 15 October.

Meanwhile, over at Glastonbury Town Council, Cllr Cottle's St Edmund's Ward seat is also vacant. But this one won't automatically go to a vote. For that to happen, at least ten local electors must write to Somerset Council's Returning Officer by Friday 27 September. If nobody calls an election, councillors will instead co-opt — choosing someone to take the seat at a future meeting.

Requests should be sent to:

Duncan Sharkey, Returning Officer

Somerset Council, County Hall, 2 The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY

Email: [email protected]

County v town: what's the difference?

The two roles Cllr Cottle held were very different — and understanding the distinction explains why two separate elections may now be held.

Somerset Council (the county role):

Somerset Council is the unitary authority in charge of the whole county. Its councillors take the big decisions on services everyone relies on — schools, roads, buses, social care, planning, waste and recycling, housing, libraries and public health.

The county councillors for Glastonbury represents the town at county level, making sure the community's voice is heard when county-wide policies and budgets are set. They help decide how hundreds of millions of pounds are spent each year, hold senior officers to account, and vote on long-term strategies that affect the whole of Somerset.

Their decisions influence everyday life in Glastonbury — from how quickly potholes get filled, to whether a planning application is approved, to the future of local bus routes, care services and libraries.

It's a big responsibility. The role involves full council and committee meetings, complex reports, and being the first port of call for residents with county-level problems. It's demanding, political, and crucial — because this councillor shapes not just Somerset, but Glastonbury's place within it.

Glastonbury Town Council:

By contrast, Glastonbury Town Council is the grassroots layer of local government. It focuses on what happens right in the town itself. Town councillors are unpaid volunteers who meet regularly to decide on issues like:

• Managing allotments, play areas and public spaces
• Organising local events, festivals and community celebrations
• Overseeing the town hall, cemeteries and smaller facilities
• Funding community projects through small grants
• Commenting on planning applications (though the final decision rests with Somerset Council)
• Championing Glastonbury's heritage, culture and civic life

Town councils don't control big budgets or statutory services, but they are closest to the community and often act as the voice of residents in wider debates. They can also shape the character of the town through neighbourhood plans, local initiatives and partnerships.

In short: county councillors run the services that cost the most and affect the whole county, while town councillors focus on Glastonbury itself — the daily, visible things that shape life in the town.

Both roles matter, but they operate on very different scales. Cllr Cottle gave years of service in both arenas, showing how the two layers of local government connect.

More local stories:

• Dragons, fire and folklore to storm Glastonbury High Street this Hallowe'en
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