DARWEN voters who want postal or proxy votes for the Darwen town council referendum are urged to contact Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Postal vote applications must be received by 5pm on October 1 and proxy vote applications by 5pm on October 8. Postal ballot packs will be issued around October 8.

The referendum is on October 16 and polling stations will be open from 7am to 8pm in Earcroft, Marsh House, Sudell, Sunnyhurst and Whitehall wards.

Only voters whose names were on the electoral register by August 8 will be eligible to vote.

Voters will be asked to say if they do or do not want a town council for Darwen.

Anyone wanting a postal or proxy vote should call the council’s elections service on 01254 585920 or email voting@ blackburn.gov.uk