PEOPLE across Cumbria have been placing their votes at polling stations to decide who will become the county's next police and crime commissioner while those in the Carlisle district are deciding who will take control of Carlisle City Council.

By 1.30pm the porter cabin polling station on Scawfell Road, off Dalston Road, had seen an eight per cent turnout of voters with all but one who decline to vote in the police and crime commissioner election.

Richard Wood, of Carlisle City Council said: "It's a bit quiet I'd say. Other places might be difference. You get your peak in the morning then a peak at about 4pm, 5pm."

Co-clerk Jo Osborne said: "We've got quite a broad spreads as well. We're from Dalston Road over to Dunmail Drive and nearly to Wigton Road so it's actually quite a different location of residencies whereas somewhere perhaps in the middle of an estate might have a different feel to it."

Five candidates are in the running for Cumbria's police and crime commissioner with Richard Rhodes, the current commissioner, not seeking re-election.

It is the second time an election has been held for this role, with only 16.4 per cent of people in Cumbria casting a vote in November 2012.

The commissioner's job includes setting the county force’s budget and deciding what its priorities and strategy should be.

The candidates in Cumbria are: Reg Watson, Labour, Peter McCall, Conservative, Michael Pye, UKIP, Loraine Birchall, Liberal Democrats and independent candidate Mary Robinson.

Residents in Belah, Belle Vue, Botcherby, Brampton, Castle, Currock, Dalston, Denton Holme, Great Corby and Geltsdale, Harraby, Hayton, Morton, St Aidan's, Stanwix Urban, Upperby, Wetheral and Yewdale are voting on seats in 17 wards, held by a third of councillors.

The Conservatives are looking to wrestle power away from Labour, which is the biggest party in the council chamber, holding 28 out of a possible 52 seats. 

Polling stations at community centres in Church Road Stanwix and Morely Street, Denton Holme, reported having a "steady" day until about the same time.

Wetheral was said to have already had about 100 people. 

Residents in Belah, Belle Vue, Botcherby, Brampton, Castle, Currock, Dalston, Denton Holme, Great Corby and Geltsdale, Harraby, Hayton, Morton, St Aidan's, Stanwix Urban, Upperby, Wetheral and Yewdale are voting.

Polling stations are open until 10pm

A town council election is also taking place in Egremont.

In Dumfriesshire, people are voting in the Scottish Parliament elections.

Related article: Don't just moan, go out and vote!