PEOPLE in Wychavon are being urged to register their right to vote ahead of a looming general election.

About 7,000 households - one in seven - in the area risk losing their vote at the election because they are not on the electoral register.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff backed Wychavon District Council's bid to get every household registered to ensure they have a say in "how the country is run".

"I know the district council is working hard to encourage people to register, but around 7,000 families in the area haven't done so yet," he said.

"It's almost inevitable there will be a general election next year and it is certain there will be a county council election.

"At every election I have fought, people have realised, too late that they were not on the register and so couldn't vote - now is their chance to make sure it doesn't happen to them in 2005."

Mr Luff pointed out that people concerned about junk mail can now opt to have their details kept off the public register.

Anybody who thinks they are not registered and have misplaced their registration forms can contact the electoral registration office in Pershore on 01386 565000.

"There is no reason not to register and it can help people who want to enter into financial arrangements, if they are on the register," he said.

"If you want to have a say in how the country and the county are run - get back those forms now."

Anybody who thinks they are not registered and have misplaced their registration forms can contact the electoral registration office in Pershore on 01386 565000.