By Jane Field

jfield@boltoneveningnews.co.uk

ELECTRONIC voting has been hailed a big success in Bolton, even though the system came under heavy criticism in another town.

The hi-tech system was used in Bolton and Stratford-Upon-Avon in a pilot project in the May local elections.

Calls have been made for an independent inquiry after the system caused chaos in the Midlands.

In Stratford voters were forced to wait up to 45 minutes at polling stations while election officers showed people how to use the new electronic voting machines.

Some people even complained of uncertainty over who they had actually voted for -- which angered many candidates.

No major problems were reported in Bolton and most councillors said people responded well.

Some of the problems in Stratford were caused because there were also parish and district elections, both with up to 10 candidates to choose from, which was not the case in Bolton.

But Bolton holds its town council elections next year and if the system is used again it is hoped people will be more used to it.

James Philpotts, who used to work in Bolton but now lives in Stratford, said: "The whole thing there was a fiasco.

"Whether it was that people did not understand, I don't know. But it was difficult for the majority of people. Some people were getting very frustrated. I think others just gave up and went home.

"But I am pleased to know that all went well in Bolton."

Bolton Council Conservative leader Alan Rushton did his own poll of the new system in his Deane-Cum-Heaton ward.

He said: "I did have my doubts at first but it did go quite well. We are happy with it -- a delay was my main worry but I think because it was a nice day everyone went to vote at different times and not all in one go.

"It was nice to see some of the older people using the new system and some even said that it was easier."

Cllr Barbara Ronson from Horwich said: "I was pleasantly surprised. I run a couple of luncheon clubs for elderly people and I have had good feedback from them.

"It was much quicker for the count."

Council leader Bob Howarth is waiting until an official analysis has been completed, but confirmed the new system had gone well.

Voting figures increased to 32.7 per cent from 26 per cent. But by comparison, in Stratford, they did not reach 30 per cent.

HAPPY: Cllr Rushton

QUICKER: Cllr Ronson

PLEASED: Cllr Howarth