A COUNCILLOR has been removed from his position for failing to attend meetings.

Former Stone Parish Council member Sydney Ahamefula, who was a councillor for the St John’s ward, has been automatically disqualified because he had not turned up at council or committee meetings since March 11.

Under the Local Government Act, councillors must attend one meeting every six months.

Mr Ahamefula, of Cadogan Avenue, Stone, was a Labour councillor elected in May 2007.

Parish council clerk Jennie Thomas said: “It’s always regrettable if you lose a member through disqualification, but it is a member’s responsibility to attend meetings.

“What can happen is if there’s a member who’s suffering from illness which makes them unable to attend, they can submit reasons for absence before the six months expires.

“We didn’t receive any reason for absence from Mr Ahamefula.”

As a result of Mr Ahamefula’s disqualification, a vacancy has now been created in the St John’s ward.

Electors from the ward have until November 24 to send a request to the returning officer at Dartford Council asking for an election to fill the vacancy.

A minimum of 10 requests is required, otherwise parish council members can appoint a person to fill the vacancy.

An election date would fall within 60 working days of the date of when the vacancy was advertised.

Mrs Thomas said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to get involved in real grass roots democracy and influence local services and facilities for the benefit of the community.”

Candidates wishing to be considered must be a British or Commonwealth citizen, aged over 21 and on the electoral roll.

S/he must either have lived or worked in or within three miles of the parish.

For further details about becoming a councillor for Stone, call Jennie Thomas on 01322 224246 or email clerk@stoneparishcouncil.com