Elections are taking place for Wokingham, Woodley and Earley town councils today.

The town councils have responsibilities which include running community facilities such as markets, allotments and cemeteries.

The councils are statutory consultees for planning matters - although they cannot decide applications, they can give recommendations that the upper tier authority Wokingham Borough must consider.

They also organise community events such as street concerts and fayres, one off events such as the Proclamation of King Charles III, and are in charge of seasonal decorations such as public Christmas trees.

This year, the entirety of Wokingham, Woodley and Earley town councils are being elected, with councillors serving four year terms.

Wokingham Town Council is currently controlled by the Liberal Democrats, who took the council following victory in the Wescott East by election in November 2021.

It is currently made up of 12 Liberal Democrats, six Conservatives, three Labour councillors and three Independents.

Earley Town Council is something of a Liberal Democrat stronghold.

It has 25 councillors in total, currently made up of 21 Liberal Democrats two Labour and two Conservative councillors.

Meanwhile, Woodley Town Council is controlled by the Conservatives.

Of the 25 councillors, 18 are Conservatives, four are Liberal Democrats and three are Independents.

Finally, there is also a by-election for the South Ward of Winnersh Parish Council, which is being contested by four Liberal Democrats and four unaffiliated candidates.

You can view the full list of everyone nominated on the Wokingham Borough Council website: https://engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/statement-of-persons-nominated-2023-local-elections

Polls for the elections close at 10pm today (Thursday, May 4).