THE Blackheath by-election triggered by the death of councillor Malcolm Bridges is being held next week.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday, September 10 to pick a new councillor to represent them on Sandwell Council.

The Conservatives have chosen Shirley Ching, who once stood against the party as an independent Tory, to stand in Blackheath.

Mrs Ching previously represented Blackheath for the Conservatives between 2006 and 2010.

The Labour Party nominated Danny Millard to stand in the election.

Ben Groom is standing for the Green Party and Ian Keeling is standing for the UK Independence Party making the battle for Blackheath a four way race.

Councillor Malcolm Bridges passed away following a battle with cancer in June.

Cllr Bridges, aged 70, was elected to Sandwell Council at a by-election for Bristnall ward in August 1999 and was a councillor until May 2008.

The by-election result will not effect the iron grip Labour holds on Sandwell Council as the party controls 69 out of 72 seats.

Sandwell Council has announced some changes to the polling station line up for the election.

Voters who normally cast their ballot at Blackheath Primary School will no have to use Rowley Regis Disability Centre, Rowley Village.

And those who used the Community Lounge, St Giles Court will have to go to the Parish of the English Martyrs, 297 Oldbury Road.

Voters who normally go to the former Blackheath Property Shop, will now use the Blackheath Central Methodist Church, entrance from John Street.

And those residents who voted at Highfields Primary School, Beeches Road, will now use Blackheath Central Methodist Church, Entrance from John Street.