ELECTORAL forms containing the personal information of people in East Cambridgeshire have been found discarded in the recycling boxes of some of the districts households. Canvassers visiting homes in the area have been shocked to find that some residents

ELECTORAL forms containing the personal information of people in East Cambridgeshire have been found discarded in the recycling boxes of some of the districts households.

Canvassers visiting homes in the area have been shocked to find that some residents had unwittingly placed the forms in their recycling boxes, making them available to any passers-by.

The Electoral Register gives people in Britain not only the right to vote, but also help to prevent identity fraud by allowing credit and loans companies to verify addresses before they approve loans or mortgages.

Alex Colyer, Executive Director of Finance, Legal and Democratic Service for ECDC, said, "It is very worrying that documents with sensitive information are being put out for recycling, where anyone could come along and take the form."

Mr Colyer said, "Although we realise that a number of people this year have been using the new telephone and internet facilities to register, it is very important to take care in disposing of your forms.