POLL cards have been going out to thousands of residents across Wollaston and StourbridgeTown ahead of the forthcoming ward by election.

Dudley Council is delivering poll cards to homes over the next few days informing residents of polling station locations in the run-up to the January 31 election.

Residents are also being urged to make sure they are registered to vote by Wednesday January 16, especially those who have recently moved to the area.

John Polychronakis, chief executive of Dudley Council and elections returning officer, said: “I would urge people to make sure they are registered to vote if they want to have their say on deciding the Wollaston and StourbridgeTown ward by election.”

The by election was officially announced last month, following the death of Councillor Malcolm Knowles in November. Polls will open at 7am on January 31 and close at 10pm.

Anyone unable to get to a polling station on January 31 can apply to vote by post or can appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf.

The deadline for receipt of postal vote applications is 5pm on Wednesday January 16. The deadline for receipt of proxy appointments is 5pm on Wednesday January 23.

All applications to register, or returned postal or proxy forms, should be sent to Electoral Services, Old Crown Court, Priory Street, Dudley DY1 1EY.

Residents can get a registration form or an application for a postal or proxy vote by contacting the electoral registration office on 01384 814740 or from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk People can also call the same number if they have not received their poll card.

For more information on voting visit www.dudley.gov.uk