Residents in Helsby have received an apology from Cheshire West and Chester Council after being left annoyed and frustrated by a mix-up over lists of voters at the two polling stations in the village.

Voters have been turning up at Horn’s Mill Primary School or Helsby Community Centre, as instructed on their polling cards, only to discover they are actually on the list for the other polling station in the village.

Disgraceful situation

Angry villager Michelle Atkinson contacted The Chronicle saying the situation was ‘a disgrace’ especially in the marginal Weaver Vale constituency where the Conservatives are defending a slender 991 majority.

Michelle said: “The people in the polling station at Horn’s Mill said the lists have been messed up. My husband will be home late from work and may not have enough time to go from one polling station to the other.

“This is a marginal seat where every vote counts and this might stop some people from voting.”

Council apology

Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is responsible for running the elections in Weaver Vale, has taken to Facebook and Twitter to apologise to voters for the error and to urge residents not to leave it until the last minute to vote.

CWaC spokesman Ian Callister said: “A notice has been posted outside Helsby Community Centre saying if you live in Chester Road, Freshmeadow Lane, Greenway Close, Horn’s Mill Way, Meadow Close and Robin Hood Lane, your polling station is Horn’s Mill Primary School in Denbigh Close.

“There is also a notice at Horn’s Mill Primary School saying if you live in Denbigh Close, George Close, Home Way, Linden Drive and Rydal Grove, your polling station is Helsby Community Centre in Lower Robin Hood Lane.”

Don't leave it too late

Mr Callister admitted there was a 10-15 minute walk between the two venues and advised voters to leave themselves plenty of time before 10pm to vote if they possibly could.

He added: “We have apologised for the error on Facebook and Twitter and would encourage people not to leave it until the last moment to vote.”