THE cost of the general and local elections in Worcester will cost £140,000.

Sixty-five polling stations across the city opened their doors to voters at 7am this morning and people have got the chance to mark a cross on their ballot paper until 10pm tonight.

There will be 65 presiding officers and about 70 polling clerks on hand at the stations across the city.

After voting closes, ballot boxes will be whizzed back to the Guildhall in High Street so all of the votes can be counted by about 72 trained and willing volunteers.

They will be monitored by 10 supervisors during that process.

A city council spokesman said: “The cost to the council is £70,000 per election. That includes the total costs of staffing, accommodation, ballot papers and transport.”

The Election Claims Unit, an independent government body, has indicated that it expects a 64 per cent turnout in Worcester, which is similar to the 64.09 per cent recorded at the 2005 general election. Meanwhile, people are being reminded the Bilford Road polling station at Perdiswell Primary School will be open despite the fact the road will be closed from 6.30pm until 5.45am the following day for pothole repairs.

In Mid-Worcestershire constituency, nearly 90 polling stations are open to the public. They are in village halls, community rooms, schools and mobile units, a play barn, pubs and even someone’s conservatory.