Poll cards will be sent out at the end of this week to all those currently registered, informing electors of the forthcoming elections. For those electors voting at the polling station the poll card will explain when and how to vote and include a map showing the location of the polling station. Postal voters will be sent a poll card informing them they have a postal vote in place and instructions on returning the postal packs.

If you have recently moved and need to register at your new address, you will need to access the government website, www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. To register you will need to provide your name, address, previous address, date of birth and national insurance number. It only takes a few minutes and you must be registered by 20 April 2015. As additional information may be required by us to complete your registration, you should register as soon as possible.

If you will be unable to get to the polling station on 7 May, you may apply for a postal vote. Applications to vote by post must be received by 21 April 2015 but are not available to everyone. You should check with the electoral services department to ensure you are eligible to have a postal vote and will be around to receive the postal packs. Alternatively, you may wish to appoint a proxy and if this is the case, you should check again with us to ensure you are entitled to this arrangement.

Any queries concerning electoral registration and voting arrangements should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or please telephone 01784 444218.