THREE Thurrock councillors took time out from their busy schedules this week to help persuade people to sign up to the Electoral Register.

As part of Thurrock’s Local Democracy Week celebration, the council’s Electoral Services department manned a display in the foyer of the Thameside Theatre in Orsett Road, Grays.

A display was also placed in the Civic Offices, New Road, Grays during the week.

On Monday afternoon, Councillor Barry Johnson, the council’s Cabinet member for Central Services, which includes Electoral Services, was at the Thameside.

And on Wednesday afternoon, Councillor Carl Morris joined Councillor Tunde Ojetola at the display.

Coun Johnson said: "There are so many ways of registering to vote, there’s no excuse, and if you don’t register you can’t vote and have a say in who is running the council or even the country.

"Filling in the form, or informing the council that there has been no change is a legal duty and if there has been no change in your circumstances over the past 12 months you can update your records with a simple freephone telephone call or on-line. Details are on a form which all households should have received.

"If you don’t want to lose your right to vote, please look out for the canvass form, fill it in and send it back as soon as possible - it only takes a few minutes of your time."

Thurrock councillors Carl Morris (left) with Coun Tunde Ojetola and Debbie Fowler from the council’s Electoral Services department.