Polling station switch put people off voting, says councillor

* The polling station was switched to the foyer of the International Pavilion.

One of Llangollen's county councillors has raised the issue of the change in polling station with Denbighshire council chiefs.

Due to Covid precautions the usual station at the town hall was switched to the International Pavilion, which was said to provide more room for social distancing.

But Cllr Graham Timms claims its out-of-town location put some people off casting their vote in last Thursday's elections for the Senedd and the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

He told llanblogger: "I have written to Denbighshire County Council about the change of location of the polling station from Llangollen Council Chamber to the Pavilion.

"Whilst it was changed for good reasons it wasn't well publicised and  added a few minutes extra walking time for most of the population of the town. 

"This discouraged some voters from turning out to vote. 

"I was told by a number of people that they were not voting because of the extra distance to the polling station from their homes on the other side of the town.

"I've also made the suggestion to have two polling stations in Llangollen. This would be especially important if the  Pavilion is used again.

"Whilst it is easy for many voters to get in the car and drive the extra mile, we need to ensure that those who choose to vote in person can do so conveniently."