VOTERS will go to the polls in two weeks time for European and local elections.

The full list of candidates is now available to view online for both the European Parliament and the Wigan Council local elections which will take place on May 22.

The local election results count and declaration will take place on May 22 while the North West European elections count and declaration will be on May 25, as polls close across Europe.

Chief executive of Wigan Council Donna Hall is urging people to vote especially in light of a rise in standard issues with current councillors.

She said: “The decisions made by elected councillors have an impact on everyone in Wigan Borough.

“Councillors have the power over issues that matter to us all – housing, schools, roads, care services. Voting in the local elections is the public’s best chance to influence these decisions.

“I know people feel apathetic and that voting doesn’t matter but that really isn’t the case. Everything the council does is governed by councillors and who you vote for really makes a difference."

The full list of candidates can be viewed here www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/Voting-and-Elections/Elections.aspx.

Eleven political parties will the European elections to choose the north west of England’s eight Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Sir Howard Bernstein, regional returning officer for the European Parliamentary Elections in the north west, said: "This election gives people the chance to elect the politicians who will represent them in Europe.

"It is essential to make sure that nobody loses out on their right to vote because they are not registered."

To view the full list of European candidates visit www.northwestvotes.gov.uk.

To vote in either elections residents must register by tomorrow, Tuesday, by visiting www.wigan.gov.uk or calling 01942 827168.