More than 350 candidates are to stand in elections for the new Wiltshire Council Nominations from 357 would-be councillors, including 12 for the far right BNP party, have been received as Wiltshire Council prepares to go the polls for the very first time.

Candidates who wanted to stand for the new council on June 4 had to put in their nomination papers by yesterday afternoon.

The full list can be seen on the council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections At the election, voters will be electing 98 councillors for the new Wiltshire Council which came into being on April 1.

The single unitary council replaced the five former district councils and county council in Wiltshire. Elections to the Salisbury City Council and the European Parliament will also take place on June 4.

The nominations for Wiltshire Council are made up of: BNP 12, Conservatives 99, Devizes Guardians 4, English Democrats – Putting England First 5, Green 9, Independents 29, Labour 56, Liberal Democrats 95, UKIP 48.

The council’s elections team are reminding would be voters to register to ensure they get their chance to say who represents them on the new council. Residents who are not sure whether they are on the electoral register or who want to be sent a registration form, should call Wiltshire Council elections team on 0300 456 0112 or visit the elections section at its website. Voters need to register by Tuesday, May 19. More than 300 polling stations will be open until 10pm on June 4.

The actual count will take place on the following day at four venues - City Hall, Salisbury, the Olympiad, Chippenham, Devizes Leisure Centre and the Civic Hall, Trowbridge.