VOTERS in Newcastle will go to the polls to give their views on the council’s record on cuts.

Authority bosses have announced they will hold by-elections on April 25.

It follows the resignation of Labour councilor Henri Murison from the South Heaton ward and Liberal Democrat Ian Laverick from the Castle Ward.

Mr Laverick is stepping down owing to work commitments.

Lib Dem colleague Anita Lower said: “We will miss him for sure, he has been a great ward councillor but he just can’t give enough to it with his work commitments.”

Mr Murison left last month to take up a job in Yorkshire following a high-profile role overseeing many of the changes facing Newcastle.

Earlier this month the council agreed a £100m cuts package which was largely opposed by protest groups across the city.

Pat Ritchie, returning officer for Newcastle City Council, said: “Thursday, April 25, is the chance for residents of South Heaton and Castle wards to have their say at local authority elections. We want everyone eligible to vote to be able to do so.

“Anyone who has moved house in the past few months needs to register with their new address.

“We’re also keen for anyone turning 18 on or before April 25 to make sure they are registered, so they can vote for the first time.”

The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 10, and you can phone 0191 278 7878 to order a registration form or print one off at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

The deadline to register and to apply for a postal vote is Wednesday, April 10, and for a proxy vote, Wednesday, April 17.

Polling cards will be delivered between March 20-23 March and a full list of candidates will be posted on the city council website on Tuesday, April 2.