CONCERNS about changes to electoral registration need to be taken up with the relevant government office, says Craven District Council.

The council recently sent out letters to all voters about changes to the way details are held on the electoral and open registers.

But some recipients have raised concerns about the selling of the open register - an extract of the electoral register - to companies or businesses.

Roderic Mather, of Wigglesworth, said: "This seems to be a cunning ruse to ensure that you will be pestered by TomDickandHarry.com offering you items that you don't need."

Allan Friswell, of Cowling, said it threw into question the whole security of the local voting register.

"Why should anyone have to go to the trouble of having to ask to remain anonymous to companies, credit agencies, or anyone for any purpose."

A council spokesman said rules concerning the Electoral Register were set by central government and overseen by the Electoral Commission.

"Craven Council must follow these rules and has no discretion to make local changes," said the spokesman.

An electoral register and an open, or edited, register, have been kept since 2002.

The electoral register is used for electoral purposes, while the open register is an extract of the electoral register and can be bought by any person, company or organisation. Businesses and charities may have a copy to confirm name and address details.

"Names and addresses will be included in the open register, unless people ask for them to be removed.

"Removing details from the open register does not affect the right to vote," said the spokesman.

However, under new regulations, electors who do not want their names on the open register will have to opt out every year.

"The council is required by law to make the open register available for sale at fees prescribed by the government, but the council does not seek in any way to promote sales of the register."

The spokesman added those with concerns about the open register could contact the government's Cabinet Office or the Electoral Commission.