A BY-election is set to be held in Stourport next month following the resignation of a councillor over Islamophobic tweets. 

There is currently a vacancy in the Central ward of Stourport Town Council due to the resignation of councillor Gary Talbot. 

Mr Talbot, a former Stourport mayor, was suspended from Wyre Forest Conservatives after past tweets posted from his Twitter account were re-shared, one describing Islam as the "enemy within England."

The retired postman deleted his social media accounts after the tweets were criticised by users.

Mr Talbot said he regretted the remarks and apologised to those who may be offended by the tweets. 

In one Tweet, Mr Talbot said: "Islam is the enemy within England, and it will have to be defeated from within by England, by the English."

Another said: "Now that we've seen off Europe, it's time to see off Islam and re-establish Great Britain's laws, religions, customs and history."

In April, Mr Talbot told the Shuttle: "I'm resigning because that's the decent thing to do. 

"I'm not Islamophobic - I can get on with everybody. 

"I moved myself into a situation where I made one or two silly comments.

"I'm paying the penalty for it".

West Mercia Police branded the comments as "racist" and launched an investigation. They are yet to confirm their conclusions. 

The by-election in Stourport will be held on Thursday, July 14 and poll cards will now be sent to everyone registered to vote in the Central ward. 

The polling station being used is Stourport Workmen`s Club, Lickhill Road. It will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Anyone who is registered to vote in the ward can request a postal vote via the Wyre Forest District Council website.

The candidates for the seat will be announced by 4pm on Monday, June 20.

The count will take place after polling stations close on Thursday, July 14.