EARLY indications show that postal voting has increased the turnout in council elections.

Postal voting is taking place in eight local authorities in the North-East as part of a pilot Government scheme.

Latest figures show that some authorities have already received more votes than at the final count in the last comparable elections.

In Darlington 41 per cent of postal votes had been returned by Monday teatime compared to a 34 per cent turnout in the last election. In Sedgefield 35 per cent of voters have responded compared to a turnout of nearly 30 per cent last time.

Voters have until today (Thursday) to get their voting papers in and can hand deliver them at some venues until 9pm. The drop-off points for last-minute votes in Darlington today, all 9pm, are: town hall reception, Crown Street Library, Cockerton Library, Dolphin Centre reception, Eastbourne sports complex reception, Neighbourhood House at 1-3 Hammond Drive, Skerne Park, Neighbourhood House at 112/114 Whitby Way, Branksome, and Neighbourhood House at 23/25 Helmsley Moor Way, Firthmoor.

Voting papers can be hand delivered to housing offices in Newton Aycliffe (until 4.30pm) and Ferryhill (until 4pm) and the council offices in Green Lane, Spennymoor (5pm).