VOTERS are being warned not to get confused between personalised postal papers that are being sent out as part of a campaign on the forthcoming AV referendum and official local council postal votes.

People across the district have been sent personalised letters urging them to vote in the referendum on whether to change the UK's voting system, but the voting paper only entitles a say in the referendum and not the local authority elections.

The referendum vote will take place on the same day as the forthcoming district and parish elections on May 5 and some voters have been confused by the referendum campaign.

Now West Somerset Council is advising residents to get in touch with them to ensure they do not miss out on their chance for an official local authority postal vote in the elections.

Bruce Lang, the authority's returning officer, said: "There has been some confusion as people have received personal letters from people campaigning on the referendum, which is being held on the same day as the elections.

"The letters include an application for a postal vote but we wish to make it absolutely clear that this will only entitle them to vote in the referendum.

"If people want postal votes to take part in the district and parish council elections, they should contact us directly.

"We have been contacted by people who think that by returning the referendum postal application, they will also be entitled to vote in the local elections but this is not the case."

To apply for a postal vote for the district and parish council elections, West Somerset Council's electoral services can be contacted on 01984 635272, or a copy can be downloaded from the authority's website at http://www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk">www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk.

Alternatively, forms can be collected from the council's offices in Williton or Minehead.

The closing date for postal vote applications is 5pm next Thursday, April 14.