Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

Taking advantage of weekend voting

SHOPPERS took the chance to cast their votes while buying their groceries under the latest initiative to encourage people to go to the polls.

North Manchester became one of five 'shop and vote' areas during the bank holiday weekend when electors were allowed to cast their votes before the local government elections on Thursday, May 4.

Asda in Harpurhey district centre hosted the north Manchester event to give registered electors an alternative to voting at their traditional polling stations.

Council officers staffing the polling booths were kept busy throughout the day as people took the chance to cast their votes in the supermarket while stocking up on their weekly provisions.

Voters were asked to produce their poll card and provide their names and addresses to staff. Their details were then marked electronically so paper registers used on May 4 will indicate those who have already voted.

Manchester City Council officer Deborah Cahill, pictured handing out ballot papers at the polls on Saturday, declared the initiative a success.

She said: "It's been really busy. I think people have been glad of the chance to shop at the supermarket because they are coming here anyway. It's been very well received."

Electors from anywhere in the city were able to vote at five locations including Manchester Town Hall in the city centre.

The polls open on Thursday at 8am and will close at 9pm.

Candidates taking part in the election in Blackley Constituency are:

Crumpsall
LEESE, Richard - Labour
STEEL, Andrew James - Liberal Democrat
ROWLAND, Jacqueline Elizabeth - Conservative
Parry, Julian - Green

Blackley
BARNES, Kenneth - Labour
CONNELL, Carol - Liberal Democrat
KELLER, Dorothy Helen - Conservative
SHAW, Michael - Green

Cheetham
KHAN, Mohammed Afzal - Labour
AFZAL, Qassim Hussain - Liberal Democrat
VINCENT, Ashleigh Rupert - Green

Charlestown
HACKETT, Mark Edward - Labour
ISHERWOOD, Rodney Alan - Liberal Democrat
FRENCH, Claudia Rosemary - Green

Moston
MULLIN, Patrick Joseph - Labour
APPLEYARD, Andrew Charles - Liberal Democrat
MC ATARSNEY, Barry - Green
BARR, Kenneth George Henry - Socialist Labour Party (Blackley Constituency Manchester)

Lightbowne
RISBY, William Thomas - Labour
GORDON, David Isidor - Liberal Democrat
CHISLETT, Simon James - Green

Harpurhey
GREEN, Joanne Mary - Labour
CAMPBELL, Daniel Martin - Liberal Democrat
KELLER, Rodney - Conservative
BOWERS, Olive Mary - Green