THOUSANDS of Redditch residents could face visits from council officials after binning important documents.

Residents are being urged not to chuck out reminder letters sent from Redditch Council as part of part of the national Annual Canvass which aims to make sure UK residents are registered.

People who have not yet completed their Household Enquiry Form (HEF) are being urged to update and verify their details as soon as possible.

Electoral services manager, Darren Whitney, said: “We’ve already had to send lots of reminders out as people have thrown away their initial letter.

"If people don’t reply this time we’re obliged to send personal canvassers round to the houses who have not responded.

"This costs the council time and money which could be spent in other areas which are important to our residents.

"Please help us save tax payers money and save yourself a visit from a personal canvasser.”

Being on the register means you can take part in any upcoming votes.

Mr Whitney said: “A referendum or national election can be called at short notice so it means you don’t have to worry about missing out on voting on important issues. Being registered can also impact your credit rating significantly.

He added: "It is actually a legal requirement to respond."

You can find out more at redditchbc.gov.uk, just search ‘annual canvass 2018’