The lists of candidates contesting local elections in Westmorland and Furness next month have been published.

Polling will take place on 4 May in a number of parish and town council elections across the area, as well as in a by-election for the vacant Old Barrow and Hindpool seat on Westmorland and Furness Council following the death of Councillor Ann Thomson in January.

Following the close of nominations, it has been confirmed there will be elections for the following parish/town councils ONLY:

• Barrow Parish Council – all 11 wards will be contested
• Penrith Town Council – three wards will be contested, Penrith North, Penrith South and Penrith West

• Asby Parish Council
• Crosby Ravensworth Parish Council
• Kirkby Stephen Parish Council
• Matterdale Parish Council
• Musgrave Parish Council

There will be no polls in all other parish/town councils in Westmorland and Furness with scheduled elections this year, as the number of candidates standing did not exceed the number of vacant seats available, and therefore the nominated candidates were returned unopposed