by political editor Paul Francis

Voters are being urged to turn out and take part in this week's Kent County Council election - which could be heading for one of the closest results in years.

The battle for control of County Hall is in its final few days, but despite their policy differences local party leaders have united today to encourage Kent's one million-plus voters not to stay at home.

Turnout at the last county council election in 2009 was 37% - broadly in line with the national average.

But there are fears voter apathy and disengagement with mainstream politics could deter people from taking part in deciding who they want to represent them on what is the country's largest single county council, with a budget of £1.6billion each year for 300 different services.

Kent County Council has a £1.6billion budget for 300 different services

Conservative county council leader Paul Carter said: "I know there are always people who stay at home as a protest, but these elections really do matter when you consider the services that we provide."

Labour leader Cllr Gordon Cowan said: "I always say to people I don't mind who you vote for, but please use your vote.

"This is your opportunity to have your say on who you want to represent your interests for the next four years and to have a say on how the council is run."

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Trudy Dean said: "My message is get out and vote - if you don't you can't really complain when things go wrong."

Kent Green party chairman Stuart Jeffries said: "There is not much democracy in this country as it is and voters should make the most of it when the chance comes around."

Kent goes to the polls on Thursday

Kent UKIP campaign organiser Mo Eleanor said: "People fought hard to get us the vote and we should not waste it, whoever you choose to vote for."

With just four days before polling day on Thursday, the outcome of the contest for the county council's 84 seats remains hard to predict although it would be a major upset if the Conservatives - who are defending 74 seats - were to lose control.

However, there is no doubt the Conservatives are coming under pressure with Labour optimistic about recovering the ground it lost in 2009 when it was almost wiped out.

And the presence of a large field of UKIP candidates could be a key factor in determining the eventual make-up of the authority - even if it does not make the breakthrough in terms of winning seats.

KentOnline will have reporters at every count when the results are declared on Friday morning, while our political editor Paul Francis will be reporting from County Hall throughout the day as they come in. To join our Twitter coverage on Friday by using the hashtag #kccelection.