Don't miss out on vote for Crime Chief

The 2012 Ribble Valley Register of Electors is currently being compiled - a few months earlier than usual - and council canvassers are in the process of distributing electoral registration forms to the borough's 24,780 homes.

The forms contain the names of people aged 18 and over in each household.

Householders are asked to check if the details on the form are accurate, sign it, seal it and return it to the council without delay.

In order to vote in the November 15 election for Lancashire's first police and crime commissioner, a person's name must be on the Register of Electors.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's electoral registration officer, Jane Horsfield, said: "The Ribble Valley Register of Electors is being produced earlier than usual this year due to elections for the Lancashire police and crime commissioner and we are asking householders to return their forms as soon as possible.

"Anyone wishing to vote in the November 15 election will have to be a registered elector, so don't lose your right to vote. Sign the form, seal it and send it back!"

Police authorities in England and Wales were abolished in September 2011 in favour of directly elected police and crime commissioners in a move aimed at strengthening the relationship between the police and community.

The election will take place on November 15 and the new police and crime commissioner will take up post on November 22, with responsibility for governing Lancashire Constabulary and holding its chief constable to account.

Ribble Valley residents who have not received an electoral registration form are asked to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council without delay on 01200 425111.