A SIMPLE spelling error has forced a reprint of ballot papers for the forthcoming by-election to fill a vacancy on Chester-le-Street District Council.
The mistake was spotted on forms after they were delivered to homes of voters in the villages of Edmondsley and Waldridge prior to next Thursday's vote in the ward.
Conservative Party candidate Mark Proud was wrongly listed as standing for the 'Conservation' Party.
Letters notifying residents of the misprint have been sent to voters in the neighbouring communities.
New forms for the all-postal ballot were being printed on coloured paper, of a shade not linked to any of the three parties standing, and will be delivered to the 3,900 electorate in time for the by-election to proceed as planned.
Roy Templeman, the council's chief executive, apologised for any inconvenience caused to residents.
Frank Lumsden, chairman of the North Durham Conservative Party, said it appeared to be a case of 'human error', which needed to be rectified.
The by-election will fill the vacancy for the Edmondsley and Waldridge ward seat created by the resignation of sitting Labour councillor John Adey.
The other two candidates are: Russel Haswell, for the Liberal Democrats and David Holding, Labour.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article