Turnout at local elections, if they are not attached to a general election, tends to be on the low side.

And today's elections will not be any different if our, admittedly not very scientific, survey is anything to go by.

Of 15 eligible Swindonians interviewed, only seven are intending to go to a polling station today and make their voice heard.

(And our reporter only interviewed 15 people because of the first 10 asked, only four said they would vote)

Most of the 8 abstainers felt, like Lee Smith, 37 from north Swindon: "It doesn't make any difference what you vote, they just go ahead and do it anyway. I don't see the point."

At least Mr Smith is making a decision, one or two of the non voters where more like Georgie Tatlow. The 22-year-old said: "I didn't really know there were any. I haven't had anything through my door. I don't think I'm registered."

Of those voting, the issues that affect them are wide-ranging.

Mum Vanessa Joseph, with her young son said: "It's probably schools that I'm thinking of most. My son will be going to primary school soon, and there's so many houses being built around us in north Swindon that it's a little bit of a worry where all the children will go.

"I'm also keeping an eye on council tax - it seems to go up and we're not struggling but with all the other bills sometimes you think it's a bit much."

Neil Sullivan, 23, who lives in Old Town said housing was his main priority: "I'm renting and it costs me so much of my wages. I know I'm young, but I'd like to be able to get on the housing ladder, maybe when I'm around 30 or so, but with house prices so high, it feels impossible. I think there needs to be more housing at more affordable prices."

A national issue will be at the forefront for Peter Roberts' thinking when he votes today. "I'm claiming Universal Credit" said the 63-year-old from Upper Stratton, "And the way it has been rolled out, the total nightmare it's been, with people reported to have killed themselves over it, will be on my mind."

Ruby Butt 42, from Highworth, said: "I'm worried about Honda and keeping the economy going", while Hazel Rudner, in her 80s, had the issue of the day as her concerns: "Brexit. I'm voting for Brexit. I voted to leave and it hasn't happened and I'm really fed up about it, so that's my vote."

There are 19 seats up for grabs right across Swindon. Polls close at 10pm .