Post strike will not hit election

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People planning to vote by post in the Norwich North by-election were today reassured the postal worker strike should not stop their vote getting through.

The Communication Workers Union has announced a postal strike for Friday (July 17) which will cover many parts of the country including parts of Norfolk.

This is part way through the period when people can return their postal votes for the Norwich North Parliamentary by-election.

But Broadland District Council, which is co-ordinating election said the 24-hour strike should not affect voter's ability to return their postal votes.

Officers have gained reassurances from Royal Mail that the strike will not affect mail posted in the Norwich area.

Dozens of postal workers at the Thetford delivery office will take action on Friday as part of the nationwide strike organised by the Communication Workers Union (CWU).

Those employed at the Norwich and Yarmouth offices are not striking as they did not ballot in time but will be taking a vote for action at a later date to be confirmed.

Council officers say voters should return their postal votes in the envelope provided as soon as possible

Voters can also return their postal votes to polling stations on Thursday, July 23 - the day of the election - up to close of poll at 10pm.

Voters can also return postal votes to Broadland District Council offices at Thorpe Lodge, Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 0DU or to Norwich City Council offices at City Hall, Norwich NR2 1NH, again up until close of poll.

The by-election was triggered when Norwich North MP Ian Gibson was caught up in the MP expenses scandal and resigned when the Labour party barred him from standing in the next general election.