ON May 5 residents in Bradford District will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them at a local level.

Local government elections select councillors, who are responsible for making decisions on running services in your local area. These include education, transport, planning, street cleansing, refuse collection, libraries and museums, street wardens, parks, leisure and social care.

This year's elections will be to elect one Councillor for each ward - a third of the Council.

In order to vote in this important election, residents must be on the electoral register. The deadline to make sure you’re registered is under a month away and Bradford Council is urging residents who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is Thursday April 14. Anyone can apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote It takes just five minutes.

Kersten England, Returning Officer for Bradford Council, said: “Local government decisions have a significant impact on the lives of all residents across the district.

“It’s still as important as ever to make sure you’re registered to vote and to have your voice heard on issues which affect you and your local community.

“Registration is easy and takes just 5 minutes – so whether you’re on your commute or waiting for the kettle to boil you can quickly register and make sure you get to have your say.”