Residents urged to have their say today in borough and crime commissioner elections

RESIDENTS of Barrow Borough are being urged to make every effort to cast their vote today, as polling stations open for two important elections. Every adult eligible to vote in the borough has the…

RESIDENTS of Barrow Borough are being urged to make every effort to cast their vote today, as polling stations open for two important elections.

Every adult eligible to vote in the borough has the opportunity to have their say on who becomes Cumbria’s next Police and Crime Commissioner. Three candidates are battling for votes as they bid to secure the position.

In two wards of Barrow - Hindpool and Roosecote - there are by-elections and residents in those areas will also be asked to vote for the candidate they would like to represent them on Barrow Borough Council.

A spokesperson for the council said: “It is so important that as many people as possible make the effort to visit their local polling station and cast their vote.

“Elections are such a crucial part of living in a democratic society and by having your say, you are ensuring your voice is heard.

“Polling stations are open until 10pm, so there is plenty of time to get out and make sure you cast your vote.”

The Roosecote and Hindpool wards in Barrow are being contested after seats in both became vacant.

Cllr Rory McClure who represented Roosecote sadly died in January 2020. And Cllr David Pidduck, who represented Hindpool, resigned in July 2020.

In the Hindpool ward, the candidates are:

● Niyall Phillips for the Conservative Party

● Jo Tyson for the Labour Party

In Roosecote ward, the candidates are:

● Paul Griffiths for the Labour Party

● Jay Zaccarini for the Conservative Party

The election of a new PCC was due to take place last year, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic,

The candidates are:

● Loraine Birchall of Urswick, Ulverston, representing the Liberal Democrats

● Barbara Cannon, of Harrington, Workington, representing the Labour and Co-operative Party

● Peter McCall, of Penrith and the Border, representing the Conservative Party

Everybody attending their local polling station must ensure they arrive wearing a face covering and follow the guidelines relating to hand sanitising and social distancing.

Members of the public are also being asked to bring their own pen or pencil to vote where possible, to help reduce the use of shared items, although pencils will be available at all polling stations for voters who come without.

Polling stations close at 10pm.