RESIDENTS across Bracknell Forest will be able to cast their vote for their first ever Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) next month.

The election will take place at polling stations across the borough on Thursday, November 15, 7am-10pm, with votes being counted the next day.

The winner of the poll will get �85,000 a year and be accountable for how crime is tackled in the area and will ensure the police deliver an "effective and efficient " service, being responsible for its budget and having the power to hire and fire a chief constable. Elections for the commissioner role will be held every four years.

Timothy Wheadon, chief executive of Bracknell Forest Council (BFC), said: "The election of a PCC will be the biggest change in how the police service is structured for many years.

"Everyone who is registered to vote will have the opportunity to exercise their vote and have their say on the future of policing in the Thames Valley."

Nominations for the Thames Valley PCC election are now open and completed nomination forms must be sent to the Police Area Returning Officer (PARO) no later than noon on Friday, October 19.

Nominees must be aged 18 or over, registered to vote, have 100 signatures backing their candidacy and pay a deposit of �5,000. Deposits will be returned to those candidates who get more than five per cent of the votes cast.

People who work for the police or one of the local councils, or have ever been convicted of an imprisonable offence, cannot stand.

Those who have already announced that they will be running in the Thames Valley PCC election are: .:. Patience Tayo Awe - Independent .:. Professor John Howson - Liberal democrat .:. Khan Juna - Independent .:. Anthony Stansfeld - Conservative .:. Tim Starkey - Labour .:. Martin Young - independent To put yourself forward call the PARO Electoral Registration Office on 01296 585807.

The full list of candidates for the election will be published on Tuesday, October 23.

Registered voters will receive their poll cards and voting information on October 22. Those who cannot vote need to complete a postal vote form and return it to the BFC electoral team by 5pm on Wednesday, October 31.

For more information about the elections go to www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/elections Will you be voting next month? What do you think? Will it make police more accountable or will it just be a waste of money?