HOUSEHOLDERS across Darlington are being urged to have their say on the polling stations used for elections in the borough.

As part of a review being undertaken by Darlington Borough Council, residents can also submit suggestions for alternative venues.

Councils must carry out a review of their polling arrangements every four years, and the last review in Darlington was completed in 2011.

Polling districts are the areas into which council wards are divided, and polling places are the locations of buildings in which polling stations are established.

When deciding which buildings to use as polling stations, the council strives to ensure that they are located as conveniently as possible, and that they are accessible to everyone, particularly anyone who is disabled.

One polling station that has proved controversial in recent years is Hurworth Primary School, which often closes during elections to allow voting to take place.

Hurworth Parish Council has called for the local community centre, Hurworth Grange, to be designated a polling station in its place.

The parish council is expected to make representations to that effect during the consultation process and hopes that raised expectations over the issue do not turn out to be a busted flush.

Anyone entitled to vote in Darlington is entitled to make representations on the polling districts, polling places and polling stations within the borough.

More information on the Review is available on the Council’s website at darlington.gov.uk/pollingstationreview

Any representations should be sent to the Electoral Registration Officer, Darlington Borough Council, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT or to elections@darlington.gov.uk by Friday, September 19.