THE leader of Test Valley Borough Council has expressed his ‘mixed views’ about the news that local elections are set to go ahead as planned on May 6.

Posting to Facebook this morning (February 5), Cllr Phil North said: "It has been confirmed today that the scheduled elections due to take place on the 6th May this year WILL be going ahead. In our area that means a full set of Hampshire County Council elections, the Police and Crime Commissioner poll and Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council by-elections delayed from last year.”

However, he added: "To be honest, I’ve got mixed views on this. On the one hand, timely elections are essential for our democracy. On the other, I know some people will be concerned about voting in person."

Cllr North outlined the measures in place “to ensure everyone gets to vote safely”.

He said that polling stations will be well ventialed, hand sanitiser made available and social distancing in place.

In accordance with government guidelines, voters will also be required to wear a mask unless exempt, and encouraged to bring their own pencil to the polling station.

Cllr North said: “Remember, you don’t have to vote in person to have your say. If you’d prefer to vote by post you can apply to do so here: https://bit.ly/3tvBrhd

“The rules on proxy voting are also changing – meaning anyone who is self-isolating can request that someone else votes for them – up to 5pm on polling day itself.”

The news comes after Andover's Mayor said his party, The Andover Alliance, will not put forward candidates in a May election - also due to safety concerns.

Cllr Richard Rowles told the Advertiser that it would be "irresponsible" to do so, adding: "You're asking everyone in an area to go the the same place. What could be more dangerous? It's madness."