By-election candidate's new poll call

An independent candidate in the recent Rugeley by-election has lodged an official protest against the result saying it was not advertised and no polling cards were given out.

He says a new poll should be held.

Dave Westwood says the result for the Western Springs South ward in Cannock Chase Council should be declared null and void and a new poll held.

The Liberal Democrats' Susan Hettrick was elected to the town council at the poll on June 26 but only won by seven votes, with a turnout of only 12 per cent. Just over 100 of the 1,034 electorate voted.

Mr Westwood, who owns the Vine Pub in the town, said: "It is no surprise the Liberal Democrats were voted in. The ballot was not advertised and no polling cards printed or sent out.

"This election was only called due to the previous candidate standing down.

"I requested a list of who was due to vote from the council on June 24 and did not receive a reply until four days after the election, with the postmark date June 27.

Cannock Chase Council spokeswoman Tamara Oldacre said statutory obligations had been fulfilled.