There's now less than four weeks to register to vote in the council election with a deadline of midnight on April 17.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area.

These include housing, education, planning, parks, leisure, social care and waste management.

Mark Maidment, electoral registration officer for Richmond Council, said: “These elections are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you.

“If you have turned 18, or if you have moved home recently, it’s particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered. It takes just five minutes online

“Remember - if you’re not registered by 17 April, you won’t be able to vote.”

In order to vote in this important election, residents must be on the electoral register at their current address.

The election is on Thursday, May 3. Anyone can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. It takes just five minutes.

If in doubt, check your details by giving us a call on 020 8891 7775 or fill out our online form: www.richmond.gov.uk/register_to_vote

If you are registered to vote but would like to apply for a postal vote or make any changes to your existing absent vote details, the deadline for the local authority to receive the application is 5pm on Wednesday, April 18.

To vote by proxy, applications must be received by 25 April 2018.

If you are an EU elector you can vote in the local election, for eligibility in other elections, visit the Electoral Commission for more information.