Voters will be heading to the polls on May 4 for the Dudley Council local elections – with 25 seats being decided.

Residents will be able to vote for up to two candidates in St Thomas’s ward in Dudley, meaning there is one extra seat available this year.

The extra seat in the St Thomas’s ward was prompted after the resignation of one of the councillors, creating a by-election. The council opted to include the seat as part of the local elections to reduce the costs and the need to hold a separate by-election.

People are reminded they need photo ID if they want to vote at a polling station. Kevin O’Keefe, Dudley Council chief executive and electoral returning officer, said:

"In a normal local election we have 24 seats available. This year there are two seats available in St Thomas’s after one of the members resigned although the seat was not due for re-election.

"This just means that residents in that ward only, can vote for up to two candidates. There are clear instructions at the top of the ballot paper and we have staff at polling stations who can advise people of the process.

"Of course, people need to remember their photo ID if they want to vote at a polling station. There’s lots more information about this and all of the candidates on our website."

For more information on the elections, including voter ID, visit dudley.gov.uk.