POTTERS Bar residents are being urged to return their vote early for next week's by-election in light of a possible strike by postal workers.

Following the death of Councillor Martin Heywood on September 5, an election is being held next Thursday for the Potters Bar Oakmere ward for Hertsmere Borough Council.

Those who have registered to vote by post should have received their ballot papers this week, and the local authorities have requested they be returned immediately.

Although the final details about a postal strike have not yet been announced by Royal Mail, the potential first date of action is October 22, the day of the elections.

Postal votes can also be handed in to one of the polling stations on the day, between 7am and 10pm.

Polling stations can be found at Potters Bar Baptist Church, in Barnet Road, The Causeway Free Church, in The Causeway, and The Wayside Jubilee Centre, in Wayside.

For more information about the election process contact Hertsmere Borough Council on 020 8207 7481 or email electoral.registration@hertsmere.gov.uk.