RESIDENTS in Wyre Forest are being reminded to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the county council elections on May 4.

Anyone who wants to vote in the forthcoming Worcestershire County Council elections must be on the Register of Electors - which is maintained and published by Wyre Forest District Council.

People that are already on the electoral register will receive a poll card before the election, telling them where and when to vote.

If you do not receive a poll card, contact the electoral services on 01562 732733 or email electoral@wyreforestdc.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the national vote registration website, gov.uk/register-to-vote.

If you are unable to make it to your local polling station on May 4, you can apply for a postal vote or to vote by proxy.

Application forms for voting by post or proxy are available from wyreforestdc.gov.uk/elections.

Simon Mallinson, returning officer for Worcestershire County Council, said: "The county county council elections take place every four years and all our 57 seats are due to be contested on Thursday, May 4.

"This means residents have the opportunity to choose who they want to represent them as their local county councillor.

"However, you can have your say if you are registered to vote.

"The last date for registration is Thursday, April 13. If you have not received a poll card by Wednesday, April 5, please contact the electoral services office at Wyre Forest District Council so that you don't lose your right to vote."

For more information about the county council elections - including how to become a county councillor - visit worcestershire.gov.uk/elections.

Following the publication of the Notice of Election on Monday (March 20), prospective candidates have up until 4pm on Tuesday, April 4, to get their nomination papers submitted.