REDDITCH'S deputy acting returning officer for the General Election is reassuring voters extra steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of the postal vote fraud witnessed in Birmingham.

The majority of Redditch postal voters were sent their ballot papers for both Parliamentary and county council elections on Friday and more will be issued this week.

Deputy Acting Returning Officer Steve Skinner said in an attempt to avoid postal voting fraud, the procedure was quite complicated.

But he added: "We're confident we don't have the same levels of risk in Redditch as many people have heard about elsewhere and extra steps are being taken by all Returning Officers to ensure the process is as safe and reliable as possible.

"We're hoping the distinctive new postal vote paperwork will be slightly easier to use and less likely to be confused with other mail than in previous years.

"Residents are asked to look out for the purple and white envelopes and to take great care with them as if they are lost or destroyed, replacements cannot be issued."

Completed papers must be in the Elections Office by close of poll (10pm) on Thursday, May 5.

For postal vote queries, call the election hotline on 534009 or email elections@redditchbc.gov.uk

l THIS year's Parliamentary candidates in the Bromsgrove constituency, which includes Alvechurch and Wythall, have agreed to attend a public debate tomorrow.

The candidates are Conservative Julie Kirkbride, who is defending the seat, Labour's David Jones, Liberal Democrat Sue Haswell and UKIP's Paul Buckingham.

Ms Kirkbride was re-elected in 2001 with an 8,138 majority.

Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney Green have organised the debate, at the baptist hall, Red Lion Street, at 8pm.

Meanwhile, the Parliament Square anti-war protester Brian Haw, who comes from Greenlands in Redditch, has declared he is standing for the Cities of London and Westminster constituency as an independent candidate.

Mr Haw has kept a peace vigil outside the Houses of Parliament for almost four years.