Ramsgate residents face a confusing election day on Thursday, June 4. In addition to voting in the Kent County Council and European Parliament elections, local people will be asked to elect a parish council for the first time.

Thanet council had wanted to hold the parish elections in September until it was told that a decision must be made on the first scheduled polling day after April 1.

Miles Smith, head of legal and democratic services, said: "Holding three elections at the same time will be a huge workload for our staff but we are confident we can rise to the challenge."

The Ramsgate parish council, which will be one of the first in the country established under new government rules, will have 16 members.

The Central Harbour, Eastcliff and Northwood wards will have three seats each, with two seats for each of Nethercourt, Newington and Sir Moses Montefiore and a single seat for Pegwell.

Elected representatives will have only limited powers to provide local facilities such as sports fields, village halls and open spaces. They also represent local people on issues like planning, highways and street lighting.

Residents will pay for the privilege through an increase in council tax, although this cost has not yet been calculated.

People living in a band D property in Acol pay an extra £33.57 for their parish council, whilst band D residents in Broadstairs pay £20.25.