I am aware Nevilles Cross’ City of Durham Neighbourhood Referendum postal votes packs are missing, with just days left until the deadline to be returned.

I share many of the Nevilles Cross’ residents concerns who have contacted me that in such an important election, one that has been talked of being planned for over a year, with record levels of taxpayer funding, the critical ballot papers have not been delivered is unacceptable.

Many of you I know were like me concerned had we simply been forgotten, or not registered correctly, as my postal poll card confirmation only arrived today (1st May).

So for the council to know, and not to make an honest public statement on its website to reassure the residents of Nevilles Cross, they know there is a problem, the ballot papers are coming, is a missed opportunity to manage this situation front on.

The ongoing delays have been fully reported to Electoral Services at Durham County Council and to the Parish Clerk of the City of Durham Parish Council, who is working hard with me to find out what has happened.

I WANT TO VOTE. WHAT CAN I DO?

There is still time!

Anyone without any of their FOUR POSTAL BALLOT PAPERS (County Council, Parish Council, Crime Commissioner and Referendum) can request an emergency replacement is issued to them.

Replacement ballot papers should be requested by contacting Durham County Council Electoral Services at 03000 261 212 or electoralservices@durham.gov.uk

I commend anyone who has not had their postal vote to request a replacement. Send emails NOW-the Electoral Service team is answering them over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Please remember posted with Royal Mail by Wednesday 5th May 2021, the council are confident they will arrive in time to be counted on Thursday 6th May.

However, if you are not confident in this, and you can, then I remind you your other options for ensuring your postal votes are counted are:

1. Dropped off at County Hall in person (during work hours) [Tue 2-Thur 6 May]
2. Posted through the letterbox at County Hall (out of hours), [Sat 1-Wed 5 May] or,
3. Handed in at a Durham County Council polling station on Thursday 6th May (between the hours of 0700-2200), with your Nevilles Cross ward polling stations located at:

St Leonard`s Catholic School (4691), Court Yard Room (CY 1), North End

The Spiritualist Church Hall (Durham), John Street

St Johns Church Hall (Nevilles Cross), Crossgate Peth, Nevilles Cross

St Johns Church Hall (Nevilles Cross), Crossgate Peth, Nevilles Cross

The Hub, Durham University, The Approach, Durham

St Oswalds Institute, Church Street