A by-election will be held in the Newton ward of Sandwell this summer. Former Councillor Tony Underhill, who has been a councillor in the ward since 2004, has been unable to attend meetings due to serious illness.

The by-election for his seat will be held on Thursday 9 July. Polling cards will be delivered to voters in the Newton ward from the end of this week. Five polling stations will be used for the vote. No schools will be affected.

Nominations for candidates must be made to the council by Friday 12 June at 4pm. Anyone in the Newton ward who isn’t registered to vote needs to register by midnight on June 23 - go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Postal votes need to be returned by Wednesday 24 June at 5pm.