Wednesbury by-election held today

The Wednesbury by-election - dubbed the "parking by-election" by townsfolk - is being held in the town today.

Controversial parking charges are due to be being brought in throughout Wednesbury on Monday, despite opposition from people in the town, and it is thought the unpopular decision could affect voting.

Residents will go to the polls to decide who should replace George Turton, the Wednesbury South member who was ousted from the party after moving to Wales.

Mr Turton, aged 66, had represented Wednesbury South for Labour for 14 years, but is now living in Aberdovey.

He was told to stand down by his own party, after being criticised for picking up £10,000 in members allowances to represent the people of Wednesbury while living hundreds of miles away.

The four candidates up for election are Dorothy Brayshaw, for the Liberal Democrats, Colin Bye for the Green Party, Olwen Jones for Labour and Mike Warner for the Conservatives.

There will be seven polling stations in the town, open from 7am to 10pm.

The votes will be counted at Oldbury Council House with an announcement of the winning candidate expected at 11.30pm.