PROBLEMS with the postal voting system have deprived pensioner Jim Lowe of his vote this year, after more than 50 years of voting - but ballot papers were sent to his late wife.

Mr Lowe, aged 72, became concerned when he and his neighbours in Douglas Street, Astley Bridge, had not received their ballot papers by last week.

He contacted Bolton Council on several occasions to be told they were on their way.

Yesterday a ballot paper arrived. Only it was addressed to his wife Rosemary, who died last year.

Retired engineer, Mr Lowe was shocked and contacted the council immediately, who told him his name was not on the electoral register.

Mr Lowe said: "Following my wife's death in October last year I contacted the council to update their records, but it seems they have taken my name off instead of hers.

"I have been on the electoral register since 1952 and have voted every year. I am a life-long member of the Conservative Club and am annoyed that this year not only am I deprived of my vote, but they lose out too."

Mr Lowe, who has lived in Douglas Street all his life, described the post voting system as a "shambles".

"I think it is a complete mess. I just wonder why, if I am not on the electoral register, I'm still paying Council Tax!

"They have sent me a form to get back on the register, but it's too late for this year. I am annoyed that I have lost a vote through no fault of my own."

A council spokesman said: "We sympathise with Mr Lowe's predicament and while we appreciate it is too late to do anything about it now, we will look into the matter as soon as possible."