VOTERS go to the polls today to elect a replacement for a councillor who was criticised for moving to the Caribbean and still claiming council expenses.

Four parties are contesting the Bishop Auckland Town Centre ward, including, for the first time, the UKIP. Its candidate, Margaret Hopson, stands against Conservative Jim Tague, Labour's Robert Yorke and LibDem Sam Zair.

Independent councillor Steph-en Gregory resigned last year after he was criticised for staying on as a Wear Valley district councillor.