BALLOT boxes have started to arrive at Harpenden leisure centre, where votes will be counted for the St Albans District Council local election.

Also tonight is the Harpenden Town Council south ward by election.

Once the votes are counted and verified results will be announced for 18 St Albans District wards and the Harpenden south ward.

Currently no party holds overall control of the council, however with 28 seats the Conservatives claimed control when they formed a minority administration last year.

The Conservatives and Labour are contesting all 19 seats and the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are contesting all wards, except Redbourn.

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are contesting the Harpenden Town Council by-election.

Of the seats contested eight are currently held by the Conservatives, nine by the Liberal Democrats, one by the Green Party and one by an Independent.