DISTRICT councillor Stephen Try, of the Welland ward, has been removed from his seat after failing to attend any council meetings for the last six months.

But there will be no by-election because the vacancy occurred within six months of May's council elections.

To cover the gap, Longdon member Julia Wildin will handle any consultations over planning applications in Welland, council members agreed on Tuesday.

Councillors from the neighbouring wards of Upton, the Hanleys and Malvern Wells have also volunteered to help if anyone in the ward needs assistance.

Strategic director Kevin Douglas said there was no official procedure to warn councillors close to expulsion. In this case, staff had tried unsuccessfully to unofficially warn Mr Try.

Mr Try said yesterday he had not attended meetings because of changes in his personal circumstances.