Voters go to the polls today (Thursday) to elect one third of St Albans district council.

Eighteen of the council’s 58 seats are being contested with the victors from the 89 candidates standing signing up to serve a four-year term.

As well as the council election, voters will also be asked to choose who will be the next Herts Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) with responsibility for overseeing police work across the county.

Seventy four polling stations at 52 locations across the district opened at 7am and will not close until 10pm.

The current constitution of the council is Conservative, 30, Lib Dem, 16, Labour, eight, Green, one and Independent three. All three main parties are contesting every seat except in Redbourn where the Lib Dems are not fielding a candidate.

UKIP and the Green Party are also contesting most wards.

In addition there is a by-election in Harpenden town council’s east ward.

St Albans council’s results are expected to be announced from 1am onwards tomorrow (6) with the result of the PCC election to be announced during the afternoon.