The hastily-arranged nature of the 2017 general election appears to have caused some disruption at one Fife polling station.
Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Brett said he had alerted Fife Council to potential problems at the Blyth Hall in Newport-on-Tay after the usual hall used for polling purposes was booked out for a theatre production.
A smaller hall upstairs was found, but it appears many people visiting the venue have been caught out by the changes – prompting Mr Brett to brand the local authority’s response to his concerns as “dismal”.
“I alerted the council to this and asked them if they would publicise the fact that the location has changed, but I have to say that the council response on this has been dismal,” Mr Brett said.
“The normal entrance is from Blyth Street, where there is parking, but because of the changes people are having to go around into the street behind where there is no parking.
“I’ve had a number of complaints, particularly from elderly people and people struggling to find their way about.”
Linda Bissett, head of democratic services, said: “Blyth Hall, in Newport-On-Tay is our typical polling station venue for this constituency.
“As this election was called at relatively short notice, we decided to keep the venue, but use another room, so as not to disturb the event scheduled to take place.
“Large signs were placed at the venue and on the doors to re-direct voters before it opened at 7am.
“When the main hall is being used by a theatre group later on today, there will be stewards at the venue to point voters in the right direction.
“Parking is still available very close to the polling station, and there is access for older or disabled people via the library.
“In response to feedback from Councillor Tim Brett and the Community Council, we have placed more signs around the surrounding streets.
“Fife Council is committed to getting people to the ballot box, and we regularly run campaigns to encourage all those eligible to vote to register, and to use their vote.”
