VOTERS in Crompton are set to go back to the polls for the second time in a matter of weeks after town hall bosses confirmed that a by-election will be held for the ward's vacant seat.

Bolton Council's elections office has announced that it has received the two requests from residents that were required to trigger a ballot for the vacant seat.

Liberal Democrat Iqbal Patel resigned as councillor for the Crompton ward earlier this month saying he wished dedicate more time to his family and business.

The ballot could open the door for a political comeback for Labour's former deputy leader of the council Guy Harkin.

Mr Harkin, who held the post for 20 years before losing his seat in the 2004 all-out election, said he would be interested in becoming the party's candidate for the seat.

He added: "It is a matter for the branch but if they want me then I'm available."

The announcement that a new ballot will be held comes just weeks after Lib Dem Vali Patel lost his Crompton seat to Labour candidate Sufrana Bashir-Ismail in the May 4 council election.

Lib Dem councillor Stewart ball currently holds the third Crompton seat.

Election bosses say that the ballot will be held on Thursday, July 13.

The election is expected to be fiercely fought with Labour holding a slim majority over the two other parties in the council chamber.

They currently have 22 seats in the council chamber, one more than the Conservatives, with the Lib Dems on 16 seats.

Candidates have until June 16 to put their names forward for the ballot.

Chief Labour whip Cllr Nick Peel said his group had collected the names of two residents who wished to see a by-election in the ward.

He said Labour would announced their candidate for the ward by the end of next week.

Cllr Peel added: "We are confident of taking another seat off the Lib Dems."

The deputy leader of the Lib Dems, Cllr Roger Hayes, predicted a two horse race between his party and Labour, but Tory group whip Cllr Andy Morgan said that he was confident that his party could win the seat which would make it the joint largest group in the council chamber with Labour.

Arrangements are now being put in place to open a number of polling stations around the ward.

It is hoped that nine polling stations will be opened in eight different venues.

People can apply for postal votes for the ballot until June 28 by calling 01204 331248 or 3311242.