VOTERS will be heading to the polls next month to decide who fills the vacant seat in the St Thomas’s ward.

The by-election, triggered by the resignation of former councillor Glenis Simms in December, will take place between 7am and 10pm on February 16.

Sarah Norman, chief executive and election returning officer, said: “February 16 is a date for the diary of people in St Thomas’s and I would urge people to make sure they are registered to vote if they want to have their say on deciding the by-election.”

Residents have until January 31 to register to vote and can do so online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 01384 814740.

New postal vote applications, amendments to or cancellations of existing postal votes must be with the Electoral Services Old Crown Court, Priory Street, Dudley, DY1 1EY by 5pm on February 1.

New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at Old Crown Court, Priory Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1EY by 5pm on February 8.

Residents can get an application for a postal or proxy vote by contacting the local electoral registration office on 01384 814740 or from www.aboutmyvote.co.uk