LOCAL elections have historically low turnouts and yesterday’s vote was expected to be no different.

Often this is because residents are not aware of the responsibilities their elected representatives hold and the decisions their local authority makes.

This includes major topics like schools, hospitals and housing as well as day-to-day problems with potholes, pavements and parks.

But this year, national politics have had an impact on the local landscape.

Party activists have said that Brexit has overshadowed local issues on the doorstep and could affect the vote.

Frustratingly, when the last General Election was suddenly called in 2017, voters seemed to forget about Brexit altogether.

Doorstep conversations reverted back to potholes and parks rather than the national issues which Members of Parliament are elected to deal with.

Understandably, people are fed up with the way politicians have handled Brexit and the fact that we still have not left the EU as the Prime Minister had promised.

Some voters no longer trust the mainstream parties because of this failure to deliver on the outcome of the referendum nearly three years ago.

Nevertheless, it remains vital to vote and engage in local politics so that you can truly be represented on everyday issues in Bolton regardless of what happens down in Westminster, Brussels or anywhere else.