THE first postal vote forms were today being sent to nearly 30,000 homes across the borough.

Voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 4, and 29,679 people have asked for postal votes 3,000 more than in the general election last year.

Returning officer Bernard Knight said: "Since the restrictions on who could have a postal vote were lifted, allowing anyone who wants to have one, the number of people taking advantage has more than quadrupled. So as a measure to encourage more people to use their vote it has proved to be very successful.

"Stringent security measures will be in force, and any suspected fraud will be reported to the police who will investigate."

Postal votes were originally restricted for use in certain circumstances, such as people who were away on holiday.

But the Government has relaxed the rules to make it easier for people to cast their vote.

One seat will be up for election in each of the 20 council wards. The current composition of the council is 21 seats for the Liberal Democrats, 20 for Labour and 19 for the Convervatives.

l If anyone has not received their ballot papers by April 26, they should contact the elections office on 01204 331248 or 338785.