ELECTION bosses have announced the number of postal voters in Wyre Forest has significantly increased ahead of the county council elections.

The ballot takes place on Thursday, May 4 and a total of 12,036 of the electorate have opted to cast their votes by post, compared with 10,327 for the last county elections in 2013.

The total number of registered electors dipped slightly with 77,569 compared to 77,906 people who signed up in 2013.

As well as the Worcestershire County Council election, there is one vacant district council seat in the Mitton ward of Stourport, a vacant seat on Kidderminster Town Council (Foley Park & Hoobrook ward) and two vacancies on Stourport Town Council (Areley Kings West ward and Stour & Wilden ward).

In Churchill & Blakedown, a Neighbourhood Plan Referendum is taking place.

Ian Miller, Electoral Registration and Returning Officer said: "It is now too late for people to register to vote in Wyre Forest at the elections on May 4 or to apply for a postal or proxy vote.

“Only people who are experiencing a medical emergency or are prohibited from voting in person due to their occupation, service or employment can apply to appoint a proxy.

“Their applications must be counter-signed and there are specific rules on who can do this for them. They can apply up until 5pm on Thursday, May 4."

“We are asking anyone who has opted to vote by post to return their ballot papers in good time to arrive on or before Thursday. So far we’ve had around 52 per cent of postal votes returned.”

The count will start on the morning of Friday, May 5. More information about the elections is available on the Council’s website. www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections