A MAYOR has criticised a decision to reduce the number of polling stations for a September by-election.

Bradford on Avon's mayor Vicky Landell Mills said West Wiltshire Housing Association refused permission for St Aldhelm's Court to be used, leaving just the St Margaret's Hall and Victory Fields stations for the September 2 election for the Bradford South seat.

She criticised West Wiltshire District Council's decision not to find replacement venues and said: "People at the end of town will have a long walk up to St Margaret's Hall."

She is also concerned residents will not realise the polling station has been removed.

A spokesman for West Wiltshire District Council said: "After the recent European Elections the housing society said they had a number of complaints.

"The residents felt uncomfortable with so many people wandering about the area."