VOTERS who defied the rain to have their say in the local elections were disappointed more of their fellow residents did not do the same.

Turnout yesterday was expected to be down on last year, and with no other elections taking place the same day, only the committed were braving the rain to have their say on the future of Worcester City Council.

In 2008, the last time local elections were held in Worcester without a national election or referendum on the same day, the average turnout across the city was 32 per cent. One of those campaigning in the rain yesterday was leader of the conservative group Simon Geraghty.

He said: “The turnout probably will be depressed because obviously it is more difficult to get people to vote in the rain. But if someone does want to go and vote because of a local issue or support for a party, they will go out and vote.”

For many, the low turnout showed people were unaware of the history behind voting. Terence Keegan, aged 87, of Britannia Square was among those who did turn out to cast his vote.

He said: “I’m not really surprised but people should use their democratic right, which took a lot of work to get.”

Sally Nall, 27, of Broad Street, agreed and said she voted because of the efforts the suffrage movement had gone to, to secure women like her the right to vote. She added: I’m surprised that more people don’t vote and a little saddened.”

Susan Pritchard, 76, of Union Street, said: “I don’t think people realise how important voting is.

“If you support your council, you should show it by voting for them and if not, you should vote for things to change.”

Zoe Newey, 35, of Blakefield Road, said she had braved the rain to vote because she wanted to show her support for a local councillor. She had been impressed by the effort they had put into dealing with planning issues on her road and wanted to use her vote to express this.

Last night’s election count saw thousands of people across Worcester give their verdict on the ruling Conservative administration at the city council.

Tomorrow’s Worcester News will also feature more election coverage.