A CRISIS meeting was being held last night after major problems emerged with the forthcoming all-postal elections.

The contractors who are printing and issuing the ballot papers for the Cheshire authorities have said they will not be able to issue papers until next week because of "printing difficulties."

It means voters could receive their papers more than a week late.

Stephen Ewbank, chief executive of Ellesmere Port and Neston Council, speaking on behalf of the Cheshire districts, said: "We have been made aware that the contractors who had been engaged by the Cheshire authorities to print and issue the ballot papers for the forthcoming election were unable to adhere to the agreed timetable.

"It is believed that the contractor has encountered printing difficulties.

"However, the suggested revised timetable will ensure that the ballot papers for the Cheshire districts will be issued in accordance with law by 1 June."

Last night's meeting in Widnes was being attended by the regional returning officer, local returning officers and the contractor.

Mr Ewbank added: "Although we were aiming to ensure voters received their ballot papers a little earlier, there's still adequate time for people to cast their vote and it is hoped that they will do so and take advantage of the opportunity offered by this scheme."

A spokesman for the Conservative Party last night labelled the all-postal elections a "shambles".

He said: "We warned the Government that such a massive pilot could lead to this kind of problem. The Electoral Commission did not want the pilots to take place in four regions for reasons like this but the Government chose to ignore that advice.

"There are lessons to be learned but we will take them up after the election."