POSTAL votes are reported to have gone missing in the run up to Thursday's local elections.

Burnley Council has been made aware of issues around the delivery of postal vote packs in parts of the borough.

Residents who applied for a postal vote before the April 18 deadline should have received their packs, which were dispatched by the council on April 19 and 24.

Mr Mick Cartledge, the borough’s returning officer, said: “If you have applied for a postal vote but haven’t received your pack yet containing your ballot paper and voting statement, don’t worry.

“Please contact our elections officer on 01282 477261/477263 and let us know.

"Replacement packs can be obtained up until 5pm on polling day, Thursday May 4, and completed postal votes can be dropped off at any polling station in the borough before polls close at 10pm.

"Your vote will still be counted.”

Burnley Council has contacted Royal Mail to highlight concerns regarding this matter.