Just weeks after a general election, people in one corner of the county are due to go to the polls once again in order to vote in a Norfolk County Council by-election.

It follows the death of Liberal Democrat councillor John Crofts, who passed away in his sleep in June, just days after his 65th birthday.

A date has now been set for the Freebridge Lynn division by-election, which will appoint a new representative to County Hall.

A new county councillor is needed for Freebridge Lynn, which covers villages in west Norfolk including Castle Rising, known for its Medieval castleA new county councillor is needed for Freebridge Lynn, which covers villages in west Norfolk including Castle Rising, known for its Medieval castle (Image: Newsquest)

People have until 4pm on Thursday, August 14, to submit nomination papers and the election is due to take place on Thursday, September 12.

The division includes Castle Rising, Grimston, North Wootton, Roydon and South Wootton.

John Crofts, the county councillor for Freebridge Lynn, died suddenly in June this yearJohn Crofts, the county councillor for Freebridge Lynn, died suddenly in June this year (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Mr Crofts, a former headteacher of the independent Glebe House School and Nursery in Hunstanton, became a county councillor after winning in August last year. 

The election could give the political make-up of County Hall a major shake-up, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats having the chance to become the main opposition group.

Currently, the make-up of Norfolk County Council is 54 Conservative members, four Green Party members, five independents, 10 Labour members and 10 Liberal Democrats.