THREE thousand people in Richmondshire could lose their right to vote at the next election if they do not return registration forms to the council by the middle of next month.

The district council has distributed 21,000 forms across the area as part of an annual registration exercise.

So far, only 18,000 have been returned and, if those who have not filled them in fail to do so before Friday, November 14, they will lose their right to vote.

Another knock-on effect can be difficulty in obtaining credit and with banking.

Reminders have been issued to addresses which have not yet returned forms, reiterating the importance of including everyone in the household who will be 18 before November next year.

Anyone who has not received a form or has a query about the electoral registration process can contact the council's electoral services department on (01748) 829121.