The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A closer polling station for Tongue End and a call to only use schools as a last resort are among the measures being called for following a review of polling stations in the area.
Recommendations following the review were voted through by South Holland District Council last week.
As it met councillors heard that residents in Tongue End had an 18-mile trip to vote in the most recent elections.
Coun Bryan Alcock said: “There was a polling station in the village but I understand the reason it wasn’t continued is because the condition it had been left in had deteriorated which is extremely disappointing.”
Returning officer Rob Walker said: “We are aware of the issue and there are 180 electors in that area.
“That decision was taken in 2014 and we haven’t had any negative comments from residents in that area.
“We have had difficulty in finding a location for even a temporary polling booth.
“We will continue to monitor it.”
Coun Rob Gibson meanwhile called on the council to use fewer schools for polling stations.
Rhonda Booth, deputy returning officer, said: “We work closely with the schools and try to use as few as possible. We’re aware of the issues it can cause for parents and try and cause the least disruption we can.”
