Voters continue to make their way to polling stations

POLLING stations across Notts have seen a steady stream of voters wanting to have their say in the county council and European elections.

By 3pm around 70 people had voted at Gedling Library polling station in Wollaton Avenue, far fewer than had turned out in previous years.

Some voters in the Carlton East ward put their forms into the ballot box with a wry comment about the MPs expenses scandal.

Pauline Jones, a pensioner from Gedling Village, said the expenses scandal had made her distrust politicians.

She said: "I know who I'm going to vote for but I don't like any of them. You only have to look at expenses. How many years has this been going on?

"I'm so angry. I won't be voting Labour or Conservative."

Nearly 300 people voted this morning at the Durban House Heritage Centre in Eastwood.

Voting for the first time today, Tom Lawson, 21, of Eastwood, voted for the Liberal Democrats.

"I want safer streets and to get rid of litter and potholes to be fixed," he said.

Currently a Labour ward councillor, Milan Radulovic is standing for the party again this year. He is up against Keith Longdon of the Liberal Democrats and Conservative candidate Graham Kilbourne.

Roland Turner, 72, and his wife Doreen, 79, today voted for the Conservatives.

"This lot have been in long enough. It's time somebody else had a go," said Mr Turner.

Warden aided house Humber Lodge in Middle Street Beeston is one of six polling stations in Beeston South and Attenborough Ward.

Tina Launchbury, 53, from Beeston, turned up to vote Labour this morning.

She said she was not deterred by the expenses scandal at Westminster.

She said: "I wouldn't not vote, I just hope sensible people do come out and vote today. The three reasons for me are to try and make sure we keep the tram, we keep the buildings programme for schools and that we keep the student loan idea - I know that's a government thing but it all links in.".

Labour councillor Pat Lally is defending his seat in the county council elections against Eric Kerry of the Conservative party, Graham Hopcroft of Liberal Democrats, Sylvia Rule of Green Party and Wayne Shelbourn of the BNP.

Thomas Paterson, 71, of Beeston, voted with his wife Audrey, 86, this morning.

He said: "We've voted Labour in the past, but we've voted Conservative today - the scandal at Westminster has been a factor."

John Stapleton, 63, said: "It's important to vote to sort out the problems. If you don't vote you can't complain."

Up to 600,000 people in the county are eligible to vote.

The polls will remain open until 10pm.

Notts County Council has been under Labour control for the past 28 years but Tories need to win just eight seats to clinch overall control.

Lib Dems are however hoping for a hung council which would gift them the balance of power.

Labour meanwhile are looking to build on their majority of 35 seats.

Voters also had 13 groups to choose from in the European Parliament elections.

If you are not sure which is your polling station contact your district council.

Keep visiting www.thisisnottingham.co.uk for updates throughout the day.

Voters in Kirkby-in-Ashfield who have not received their polling cards can still vote in the County and European elections today.

Residents in Paschall Road had not had their cards through their door by this morning.

A spokeswoman for Ashfield District Council said all voting cards had been posted out but anyone who had not received theirs could still vote as long as they were on the electoral roll.