RESIDENTS at Cliffsend near Ramsgate will go to the polls on May 1 to elect its first parish council.

After consulting residents, Thanet Council agreed to the scheme that has now been given Government approval.

As part of the parish electoral review, changes were also recommended for Manston. The boundary of Manston Parish Council has been extended to incorporate Flete, Lydden, Woodchurch and the surrounding area.

The Government has also confirmed these changes in time May Day elections, when the number of parish councillors will increase from five to seven. Cliffsend will have seven elected representatives.