AN East Lancashire borough beset by claims of election fraud will take part in a new government trial requiring voters to produce photo identification at the polling station.

On Saturday the Cabinet Office will confirm Pendle is on a list of council areas to pilot the scheme in next year's local elections.

The borough has been plagued by claims of voting fraud and in 2014 was identified by the Electoral Commission as one of 16 at greater risk of electoral malpractice along with Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, and Burnley.

The four areas were due to trial photo ID, such as passports or driving licences, at polling stations last year but the plans were dropped.

After a successful pilot this year in five areas of Southern England, Constitution Minister Chloe Smith will announce a bigger trial including Pendle, hit by new vote fraud allegations after May's council poll.

Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, and Burnley are not expected on the list.

Pendle Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson, who in 2012 staged a special Parliamentary debate alleging widespread voting fraud in the South Asian community in his constituency, has welcomed the move.

He said: “This is a real win for voters in Pendle. For years, they have simply not had confidence that the local elections they take part in are being conducted in a way that is above board and fair.

“Vulnerable people may have had their right to decide who they want to vote for taken away from them.

“Introducing voter ID will make it much harder for political activists to rig the system, and restore confidence in democracy.”

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council's Labour group, said: "This is bad news for democracy.

"Many people from the most disadvantaged communities, who do not possess photo ID, will be put off voting. This is Tory fiddling with the electoral system."

Mrs Smith said:“Electoral fraud is not a victimless crime; it deprives voters of their voice. I am delighted to include Pendle in the 2019 pilots.”

Philip Mousdale, Corporate Director and Returning Officer, said: “Allegations of voter fraud following the elections in May were referred to the police.

“Investigations were carried out by the police and the council but it was not possible to gather enough evidence to take further action.”