Polling station re-think call as 280 Midlands schools to shut

More than 280 schools are being used for the vote and the majority will shut.

There was criticism today that thousands of youngsters will lose a day's education for an election likely to attract a very low turnout.

There were calls for councils to stop using schools as polling stations because it disrupts children's education, particularly if the election results in widespread voter apathy.

Councils have published lists of polling stations ranging from community centres to temporary cabins in pub car parks. But many of the stations are schools.

While council bosses have said the decision on whether or not to close is up to the headteachers, many do so because of the disruption it can cause having people coming in and out of the building. Schools that are closing will inform parents.

According to the most recent lists there are more than 80 schools in Dudley used as polling stations, around 50 in each of Wolverhampton and Sandwell, more than 40 in Walsall, 20 in Lichfield, 16 in Stafford, 21 in Cannock Chase, nine in South Staffordshire and five in Wyre Forest.

Sandwell Council confirmed that Shireland Collegiate, Q3 Academy, Priory Primary, Perryfields Maths and Computing College and Great Bridge Primary would be open but that all others that were on the list of polling stations would close.

Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, a former mayor of Wolverhampton, said: "There must be other places that can be used instead of schools. It seems barmy that many of them will close for the day when the turnout for this election is expected to be very low."

The Electoral Reform Society has suggested that the turnout may be as low as 18 per cent, which would be the worst in British history.

Click on the links below to find your local polling station:

• Wolverhampton

• Walsall

• Sandwell

• Dudley

• South Staffordshire

• Lichfield

• Cannock Chase

• Stafford

• Wyre Forest

By Political Editor Daniel?Wainwright