Town council result amended

Following the discovery of an error in a computer spreadsheet, a result in the Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council local election was amended. The Alveston Ward result was finally announced by Returning Officer Paul Lankester, after an extended check of all the ballot papers and the counting spreadsheet by elections staff and candidates.

The incident involved a batch of counted votes not being included in the final totals for candidates, although the spreadsheet was set up to do this.

Mr Lankester said: "This was a serious incident which could have interfered with the will of the electorate and I apologise unreservedly to candidates, their representatives and the Town Council for the incident.  

"It was of paramount importance that the democratic process was upheld, and it is pleasing that the candidates felt likewise.   

"Consequently one candidate, Harold Scott, who it appeared had originally been successful was not.  This led to Joan McFarlane being elected to represent the ward.  

"We are looking into what lead to this situation and we will learn from it and put in measures to ensure it cannot happen again."  

Other candidates elected to the Alveston Ward were Michael Crutchley; Roy Lodge; Joy Seaman and Vince Seaman.  

The full results of the parish and town elections are available on the following website link:   http://www.stratford.gov.uk/council/council-852.cfm