The Ballot papers are ready. The New Romney Coast by-election takes place tomorrow - 12th November 2009 - after Tory councillor Sue Ashworth stood down in September due to ill health.

Sue was previously a Lib Democrat but switched to the Conservatives in July 2007. With the other councillor for the New Romney Coast ward Lib Dem Val Loseby election watchers will be observing the results closely to see which party voters elect.

Candidates standing for election are are Wendy Nevard of the United Kingdom Independence Party, Shane Lawrence for the Conservatives and Brian Wright of the Liberal Democrats. Polls are open from 7am - 10pm.

Of the 45 other councillors representing the 22 wards making up the Shepway district, 36 are Conservative, six are Liberal Democrats, two being People First party councillors and one is Independent. All 46 seats in Shepway will next be up for election on the first Thursday in May 2011.