VOTERS in Marlborough were forced to mark their ballot papers outside this morning when election officials arrived at the polling station in the old Youth Centre in St Margaret's Mead to find it locked.

The first voters turning up when the polls were supposed to open at 7am were given their ballot papers from the boot of one of the official's car.

The keys were swiftly located and the doors were opened and the operation moved inside by 7.30am.

A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “There was an initial problem accessing the building however this was quickly resolved and everybody was able to cast their vote.

"While they were gaining access, the officers followed the correct electoral procedures and quickly  set up a temporary secure polling station outside until they were able to move into the building so the public were able to continue voting as usual.”