CANDIDATES for a Shoebury by-election have been announced.

The by-election prompted by the death of Shoebury ward Independent councillor Mike Assenheim, will take place on Thursday, May 25.

Former councillor, Ann Chalk, will stand for the Independents.

Val Jarvis is standing as a Conservative candidate while Maggie Kelly is representing Labour.

Paul Hill is standing for the Green Party, Edward McNally for Ukip and Gavin Spencer for the Liberal Democrats.

All the candidates live in Shoebury apart from Mr Spencer who is from Southend.

Mr Assenheim, 74, was first elected to Southend Council as an independent councillor representing Shoeburyness ward in 2007 and was on the council’s cabinet in 2014-2015.

He died suddenly at the beginning of April after apparently suffering a heart attack.

He has been credited with spearheading a “progressive” plan to get more policing in Southend.

The plan involved council staff as Special Constables for a re-instated “Borough Patrol”.

Polling stations will be at St Peters Church, Small Hall, Hinguar Street, the Salvation Army Hall, Frobisher Way, St Georges School, Eagle Way and Friars Baptist Church, Eagle Way.