IT'S official, postal voting will soon be normal practice in the Leigh area.

No longer will people have to go to polling stations to cast their vote, instead they can choose a candidate in the comfort of their own homes.

On June 10 there are combined elections for the European Parliament and local authorities, and all electors in Wigan borough will cast their votes by post.

Those on the electoral register should have received an information card, explaining the voting process and how to get further help by telephone or a one to one advisor.

Electoral returning officer and Wigan's chief executive Steve Jones, said: "We are working very hard with our colleagues at the Royal Mail and the Police to ensure this is organised efficiently and to the very highest standards.

"There are 237,000 electors in the borough who are entitled to vote in the local elections and for the nine seats in the European Parliament. Evidence suggests postal voting leads to higher numbers voting, and we hope to improve significantly on the turnout in recent years."

Wigan's head of democratic services Brian Hayes, said: "In Wigan all 75 seats are up for election following internal boundary changes. We have sent information to all electors this week with details of the voting process and we urge people to get in touch if they have any concerns."

Police Chief Superintendent Ian Harrison said: "We will work closely with the local authority in the run up to the elections and Greater Manchester Police has implemented a co-ordinated plan to reduce the possibility of fraud during the voting process."

People wanting advice can ring 01942 827168 or e-mail Drop a line...a.loftus@wiganmbc.gov.uk.