RESIDENTS in Wyre Forest will soon receive forms asking them to check whether information which appears on the electoral register is correct.

Householders must respond as soon as possible to confirm or change their details on the electoral register.

If the details are correct, the easiest way to confirm this is online, by text or by phone. If the details need changing, the form should be updated, signed and returned by post.

If a household does not respond by Wednesday, August 16, a reminder form will be sent out.

The forms are part of Wyre Forest District Council's annual voter registration canvass and the law requires residents to respond to the correspondence sent out. The canvass is to make sure that the electoral register is up to date and also identifies any residents who are not registered.

Wyre Forest District Council elections will be taking place in May 2018. Returning the forms is an opportunity for residents to make sure that, when the elections take place, they will easily be able to take part.

Ian Miller, the council's electoral registration officer, said: "Anyone who wants to vote must be registered.

"You must respond to the annual canvass form received by your household and follow the instructions on the form. Please do this immediately otherwise reminder letters will be sent, followed by a personal visit from officers. This results in additional and unnecessary cost to the taxpayer.

"If you are not currently registered, we will send you information explaining how to do this or you can simply go online to register. If you do not register, it will not only affect your right to vote.

"It may also affect your ability to open a bank account, or to obtain credit, a loan or a mortgage as the full register is checked by authorised credit agencies."

For more information, visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/electoralregister.