FOR the first time in nearly three decades Beaminster town councillors may have to face an election.

Members have frequently said they would much prefer to have been elected but not enough people ever volunteer.

But Beaminster town clerk Barry Morfett and David Webb from the Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils DAPTC ran an election awareness workshop recently and since then 14 nomination forms have been requested. The council only needs 12 so if all 14 candidates put themselves forward there will have to be an election in May.

For the first time 18 year olds can stand. April 4 is the closing date for nominations.