Latest news from the borough council:

Time is running out if you want to make sure you are registered to vote in the important local elections taking place on 6 May.

If you prefer not to attend a polling station why not follow our quick and easy process set out below to register for a postal vote?

The elections will decide who represents you on West Lancashire Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and on some parish councils. You can also vote on who is appointed as Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire.

If you have recently moved house you will need to register to vote at your new address by midnight on Monday 19 April. Young people who will turn 18 in time to vote in these elections will also need to register to have their say. The online registration form can be found at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or www.westlancs.gov.uk/registertovote. For more information please email elections.office@westlancs.gov.uk.

You can check if you are registered to vote by calling the Elections Office on 01695 585014. If you do not have access to the internet please ask the Elections Office for a paper registration form to be sent to you.

Jacqui Sinnott-Lacey, Electoral Registration Officer for West Lancashire, said: "Please register to vote soon as it is important that everyone has their voice heard in our local elections.

"Who would you like to see make important decisions about our county's future? This is your opportunity to have your say."

Applying for a postal vote is quick and easy if you prefer not to attend a polling station. You can apply by downloading an application form from www.westlancs.gov.uk/howtovote, emailing elections.office@westlancs.gov.uk, or calling the Elections Office on 01695 585014. Your completed application form must reach the Council by 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.

Alternatively you can apply for a proxy vote in which you appoint someone to vote on your behalf. Please, download an application form from www.westlancs.gov.uk/howtovote, email elections.office@westlancs.gov.ukor call the Elections Office on 01695 585014. Your completed application form must reach the Council by 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Should you or your appointed proxy be affected by COVID, either through a positive test or isolation, you can request an emergency proxy vote up until 5pm on Thursday 5 May. Emergency proxies can also be applied for on the basis of other medical reasons or for service/employment reasons that occurred after 5pm on Tuesday 27 April 2021.

If you would prefer to vote in person, we will ensure polling stations are COVID-secure and as safe as possible for you to cast your vote.