RESIDENTS are being encouraged to have their say ahead of the council elections.

The Gloucestershire County Council elections take place on Thursday (May 4) with a full list of candidates in the Cotswolds now available on the Cotswold District Council website.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on polling day and all residents should have received a card with details of their local polling station.

Sarah Dalby, electoral services manager, said: "The Gloucestershire County Council elections only take place every four years, so it’s important that as many people as possible take the time to use their vote and have their say.

"By casting their vote they will be helping to decide who will represent them in the county council."

When voting at a polling station it is helpful for people to take their poll card with them, however, people without the poll card can still vote providing they are registered.

Polling station staff will not be able to give out ballot papers to anyone arriving after 10pm, so residents are reminded to arrive in good time.

Anyone who has applied for a postal vote you should have received your voting paper.

Complete and return it by post, hand deliver it to the council offices in Cirencester or Moreton-in-Marsh, or drop it off at your local polling station by 10pm.

The Gloucestershire County Council elections count for the Cotswold area will take place at Cotswold Leisure Centre, Cirencester commencing at 10pm.