CANDIDATES and election officers in Hyndburn have been asked not to wear high heeled shoes for this Thursday's election count.

The unusual request has come after the decision was made to shift the election count from Accrington town hall to the borough's recently opened high-tech table tennis centre.

Town hall bosses are worried that stiletto heels would damage the specially designed flooring at the the Henry Street centre in Church.

Protective flooring is being laid as a precaution on the night but a warning note is being sent round to all the people attending the count.

Mike Chambers, the chief executive of the council and the returning officer for the election, made the decision to move the count from its traditional setting.

He said: "The decision to move was made for a number of reasons.

"We are expecting a general election at any time and we are looking at this election as a rehearsal for that."

The centre is more accessible for officers bringing in ballot boxes from outlying polling stations and there is also more parking.

Facilities inside the building are also much better than at the Accrington's Victorian town hall.

Mr Chambers is keen on getting youngsters interested in the election process and pupils from a local school have been invited to observe Thursday night's proceedings.

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