PEOPLE in Worcester have less than a week left to have their name added to the electoral register in time for the forthcoming local elections.

On Thursday, May 3, the local elections will take place, with the Tory-led city council defending a one-seat majority.

The city council is making one last attempt to encourage people to turn out to the polling stations and place their vote.

Turnout for Worcester's local elections last year was 35 per cent - two per cent higher than the UK average but well below average turnouts for general elections, which is about 65 per cent.

Council leader Councillor Simon Geraghty said: "I'm urging people to take the local elections seriously, because this is about the future of our city. Local elections always generate lower turn outs than general elections, because people believe, rightly or wrongly, that national government sets the framework for the country."

He said the key message that he wanted to get across to people was the importance of voting in the local elections.

"I really want to encourage everyone to use their right to vote and turn out on May 3."

Anyone not yet on the electoral register can get themselves on it by logging on to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

The form will have to be filled in and sent to Worcester City Council by the deadline of Wednesday, April 18.

Recent research by the Electoral Commission rev-ealed that 87 per cent of people wrongly assume they are registered because they are signed up to make for council tax payments.

The research also found out that a third of people do not realise they have to fill out a form each year to stay on the electoral register.

Sam Younger, chairman of the Electoral Commission, said: "These elections are about issues that affect your street, your area, and your everyday life, so we are asking people to take action today.

"Make sure you are on this important list so you have a chance to use your vote."

*Coverage of the forthcoming elections, including profiles of all of the candiates and reports on the results, will appear in the Worcester News from this week.