A BY-ELECTION has been prompted by the resignation of a young councillor who has started up her own business.

The by-election will be held next month; one member is needed to represent the vacant seat for the Derwen Ward on Rhyl Town Council following the resignation of cllr Ellie Jones.

Cllr Jones, 22, Welsh Conservatives, is leaving so she can give her business - Ickle Peanut LTD - her full attention.

She said: “I was working in TK Maxx and working for myself after starting a business with my dad last February. It is an online baby and children's wear business which specialises in personalised items.

“Within three months of fully committing myself to the business, I managed to finish my job at TK Maxx and take it on full time. Since I have done this, my sales have tripled and I have three member of staff.

“I have decided to focus my full attention on my work. I didn’t feel like I had the time to be 100 per cent committed to the town council and I didn’t feel like it was right for the people of my area to have a councillor who wasn’t fully committed.

“I feel I have made the correct decision for myself and for my area.”

Cllr Jones added: "When I became a councillor, my highlight was probably being completely out of my comfort zone. This made me more confident and made me feel I can do more things.

"Another highlight would be meeting some lovely people."

Any person wishing to stand as a candidate at the by-election should contact the returning officer at Denbighshire County Council on 01824 706114 to obtain nomination papers.

Completed nomination papers must be presented in person to the Returning Officer or her deputy at County Hall, Ruthin by 4pm on Friday, July 6.

Should the election be contested, it will take place on Thursday, August 2 with polling taking place at Ysgol Dewi Sant.