CONCERNS have been raised about the fairness of the forthcoming local elections after a mix-up with postal voting forms. Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) has admitted that 647 people in the Old Town ward were sent duplicate papers. One resident rang The Co

CONCERNS have been raised about the fairness of the forthcoming local elections after a mix-up with postal voting forms.

Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) has admitted that 647 people in the Old Town ward were sent duplicate papers.

One resident rang The Comet to say everyone in his street had received two sets of forms.

He said: "It leaves it all up in the air whether it's an honest election or not."

Another Old Town resident had been told by the council there was a "slight glitch" which had caused the mix-up.

He said: "You hear so much about cheating and this sort of thing you've got to be concerned.

"What's going on with the voting?"

The election will take place next Thursday, May 3.

Chris Solich, electoral services manager at SBC said: "We are aware that duplicate ballot papers were sent to some electors in Stevenage Old Town ward who had asked for postal votes.

"We have contacted all of those people explaining that they should vote just once and destroy the duplicate papers.

"If anyone did send in two votes by mistake, our computerised checking system would detect this and accept just the first vote received.

"I can confirm that this will have no effect on the integrity or the outcome of the elections in Stevenage.