PENDLE Council is urging residents to vote in next week’s elections after a poor turnout last year when only 43.7 per cent of the borough voted.

Stephen Barnes, chief executive and returning officer for Pendle, said: “It’s so important that everyone uses their vote on Thursday, May 3 to have their say in electing their ward councillors.

“They will represent residents on all sorts of issues – from rubbish and recycling to how our town centres are regenerated.”

This year there are elections in all wards except Blacko and Higherford, Foulridge, Higham and Pendleside, and Old Laund Booth.

The count of the votes will start at 9.30am on May 4 and results will be published in the Lancashire Telegraph on Saturday, May 5.

For more information about the elections in Pendle, contact the elections team on 01282 661919 or email elections@pendle.gov.uk.