THURROCK goes to the polls on Thursday 1st May, when all but two of the borough's wards host elections that will shape the Council for the next two years.

On these pages the Thurrock Gazette has given political parties the chance to express their intentions and opinions.

Thurrock Council has 49 councillors with either three or two representing each ward. Around a third of the seats come up for election at a time.

Currently, the Conservatives have 24 seats, Labour 22 and there are three Independent councillors.

On Election Day polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm.

Those who have applied to vote by post will have received a postal poll card as a reminder - postal packs will be arriving from April 18 onwards.

If your poll card has not arrived - and you live in one of the 18 Thurrock wards holding elections this year - contact Thurrock Council's electoral services department on 01375 652816 or email electoral.services@thurrock.gov.uk.

Elections are not being held in Stifford Clays or Little Thurrock Rectory wards this May.

The cards contain details of how to apply for a postal vote and where your polling station is.

It is not necessary to take your polling card to register your vote unless you have registered anonymously.