THE date for the by-election to fill two vacant seats on Bewdley Town Council has been announced.

Electors in Wribbenhall will go to the polls on Thursday, February 23 and Wyre Forest District Council is now urging residents in the ward to ensure they are registered to be able to vote.

The polling station will be Wribbenhall Parish Rooms and it will be open between 7am and 10pm on election day.

The seats in the Bewdley Wribbenhall ward became available last month after they were vacated by UKIP’s Maurice Alton and Health Concern’s Anne Mace.

Mr Alton automatically lost his seat after failing to attend a meeting of the council or its committees in six months, with his party citing pressures of work as the reason for his non-attendance.

And Miss Mace retired after 11 years serving the authority for health reasons.

Following a canvas to confirm that eligible people were registered to vote, the district council established 94 per cent of Wribbenhall residents were registered.

Anyone who isn’t registered can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or fill out a form from the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall before the deadline of midnight on Tuesday, February 7.

Anyone wishing to vote by post or by proxy need to complete an application form which is available via www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/voting. Deadline for postal voting is 5pm on February 8 and for proxy voting it is 5pm on February 15.

Residents who are uncertain if they are registered can check by calling the Elections Team on 01562 732762.

Would-be candidates need to complete and submit signed nomination papers by 4pm on Friday, January 27.

Ian Miller, Returning Officer said: “I would encourage any Wribbenhall resident who is not already on the electoral register to check and apply as soon as possible.

“I would also suggest that people request a postal vote, if they would prefer the convenience of completing their ballot paper at home or don’t think they will be able to get to the polling station on Thursday, February 23. Anyone can apply to vote by post.”

The count will be held in the Council Chamber at Wyre Forest House, starting at 10pm on Thursday, February 23 and will be webcast on www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast.