WEST Hill residents have been challenge to represent their community by a town official.

WEST Hill residents have been challenge to represent their community by a town official.

Five village representatives have quit their post on Ottery town council in the past 18 months leaving two current vacancies for the ward.

Sole West Hill representative on the council Ray Bloxham said: "It is vitally important that we have a proper representative. West Hill has a 2,200 population, it's a big village. You would think people would put themselves forward to represent local people on local issues. I would challenge people to come forward and play a part."

Mayor Glyn Dobson added: "We have two vacancies for the ward. We can't accept that as a council."

Last Monday the council decided 'not to progress' an Ottery man's application for the post. Councillors wanted to question the man but said he had failed to attend two meetings to which he was invited.