A by-election has been called for Earlswood and Whitebushes Ward by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.

The by-election on Thursday, December 17, has been called following the resignation of Councillor Robert Webb in October.

The by-election will decide who will join Coun Barbara Thomson and Coun Alison Berridge representing the ward.

Residents will only be eligible to vote in the by-election, or any other election held before November 2010, if their names are on the Register of Electors.

Nigel Clifford, borough council chief executive and returning officer, said: “Electoral registration forms were sent out to every household in the borough in September to compile the new electoral register. “If you have not already done so, please return your electoral registration forms to the council to make sure you can vote on polling day.”

Residents whose details have not changed since the last annual canvass of electors can simply confirm their details on free phone number 0800 197 9870, or on the council’s website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk Residents are advised to apply now to vote by post or by proxy if they haven’t already registered.

The closing date for receipt of postal vote applications will be Wednesday, December 2, at 5pm, and for proxy voting applications Wednesday, December 9.

Polling hours on December 17 will be from 7am to 10pm, and electors will be sent polling station details nearer the time. The period for nominations for candidates will close on Friday, November 20, at noon, and details of those standing will be published on November 24.

The count will take place at the Town Hall, Reigate, after the polls have closed.

For more details, or to download a postal or proxy vote application form, call the council’s Helpline on 01737 276000, or visit the council’s website: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk