NOMINATIONS closed this week for elections to the European Parliament and for local councils around the country.

However, across the North West, the traditional polling station and ballot box will not be a feature of the elections. Instead, an all-postal ballot is to be used for all the elections for the first time as part of the Government's drive to boost turn out. All the elections will be taking place on June 10.

The European Parliament polls are being held nationwide and will include nine seats for the North West region.

Local elections are taking place for seats on South Lakeland District Council, Barrow Borough Council and Craven District Council.

Justin Hawkins and Michaela Robinson-Tate examine some of the issues surrounding the poll which could be the last major test of public opinion before a General Election.