ELECTORS in the Blakebrook and Habberley South ward of Kidderminster are being urged to make their voice heard in a by-election to fill a vacant councillor post.

A by-election is being held to fill a vacancy on Kidderminster Town Council after Conservative Paul Simpson, who was elected in May with 461 votes, did not take up his seat.

Almost 7,000 people on the Electoral Register have registered to vote in the by-election, where the nominated candidate will be announced on Thursday, September 1.

Ian Miller, Returning Officer, said: "There are almost 7,000 people on the Electoral Register in the Blakebrook and Habberley South ward who are eligible to take part in the by-election.

"I would urge everyone who’s registered to use their vote.

"It is really important for people to have their say.

"Anyone who has opted to vote by post should return their ballot papers in good time to arrive on or before Thursday 1 September."

Over a sixth of the 6,920 eligible voters in the ward have opted to vote by post – 1,209 or 17.5 per cent – in the by-election.

So far, almost a third of postal votes have been returned.

Electors who missed the deadline to register their vote or apply for a postal vote can still apply to vote by proxy, but must do so by Tuesday, August 23.

Mr Miller added: "It is now too late for people to register to vote or apply for a postal vote in this by-election but there is still time to apply for a proxy vote.

"This allows you to nominate someone else to attend the polling station and cast your vote. Applications need to be made by 5pm on Tuesday 23 August."

For information about applying for a proxy vote, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections.

The count, which take place at Wyre Forest House, starts at 10pm and will be streamed live from wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast .