Several new polling stations are gearing up to welcome voters in South Kesteven for the local elections on 6 May.

Two are pubs - The Royal Queen in Grantham and the Danish Invader in Stamford - while Wyndham Park Visitor Centre, Stamford Masonic Centre and Grantham Scout Hall will also host polling booths.

Most of the changes have been made to ensure venues are Covid-secure for voters and staff, which includes moving voting away from schools where possible. This is to ensure everyone is confident with the process for a successful and safe election.

Voters are urged to check their polling cards to make sure they know exactly where to vote in the elections which will choose Lincolnshire County Councillors, the Police and Crime Commissioner and several councillors in district, town and parish by-elections around South Kesteven. There are also separate referendums on Neighbourhood Plans for Old Somerby, The Deepings and Ropsley & District.

SKDC Chief Executive Karen Bradford said: "The polling stations brought into use for 6 May will be Covid-secure for everyone who wishes to vote there. They are selected according to a strict set of rules and should be accessible, identifiable and provide privacy for voters.

"Local residents should expect many of the measures in use at shops and banks, such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings. People will also be asked to bring their own pencil to mark their choices.

"However, there are other options for people who would rather cast their vote without visiting their designated venue. People can choose to apply to vote by post or by proxy, which is appointing someone else to vote at the polling station for them. Details can be found at the SKDC website at southkesteven.gov.uk/elections2021"

The deadline to applying for a postal vote or to change/cancel an existing postal or proxy appointment is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April.

The deadline for applying for a proxy vote is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

If not already registered, people can register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The deadline to register for the May elections is Monday 19 April.