Totnes council has co-opted a new councillor to fill the vacancy for the Bridgetown ward.

Tobias Robshaw, who is a member of the Inclusive Totnes community group, was chosen out of a list of three candidates at this week’s full council meeting.

The vacancy, one of two that came about following resignations, was advertised earlier this year by both the town council and South Hams District Council (SHDC).

Residents in both wards were invited to call for an election, but because SHDC did not receive the necessary 10 requests, the position was filled through co-option.

Co-opted members are appointed by councillors and not directly chosen by the electorate.

A by-election will however take place on July 20 to fill the second vacancy for Totnes town councillor as a sufficient number of requests was obtained.

On being appointed, Mr Robshaw said he wanted to play “a more supportive and active role within the community” and to assist “in increasing the town’s prosperity and improving the lives of people in Totnes”.