MOSS Bank postal voters are being encouraged to return their forms as quickly as possible as Royal Mail strikes loom.

On Thursday, October 20, the Moss Bank ward will have a by-election for a new councillor after Iyesha Begum resigned from her position.

The 18-year-old, who moved to St Helens in 2018 with her mum and brothers as they fled domestic violence, won the Labour seat for Moss Bank in May.

A Labour Group spokesperson confirmed she is stepping down due to a change in her personal circumstances.

With the by-election taking place next week, postal voting packs were sent out on Friday, October 7.

However, with Royal Mail workers going on strike on Thursday, October 13, and Thursday, October 20, St Helens Council is urging people to return their postal votes as quickly as possible to avoid them getting missed.

Kath O'Dwyer, St Helens Borough Council's Chief Executive and Returning Officer, said:

"As strike action is planned to take place on polling day on Thursday, October 20, any votes posted the day before will not be received by the close of poll.

"Legally, postal votes that arrive after 10pm on polling day unfortunately won’t be able to be counted. 

"Anyone unable to return their postal vote before Wednesday, October 19 for whatever reason can also hand in their completed postal vote pack on polling day between 7am and 10pm at our polling station."

They can also hand deliver it at St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens WA10 1HP at any time up until 10pm on polling day. 

The polling stations open for the Moss Bank by-election are: 

  • Mobile Polling Station at Bassenthwaite Avenue, Moss Bank, St Helens 
  • Moss Bank Library, Bowness Avenue, Moss Bank, St Helens WA11 7EQ 
  • Moss Bank Children’s Centre, Kentmere Avenue, Moss Bank, St Helens WA11 7PQ 
  • Pyes Gardens Community Room, Pyes Gardens, Moss Bank, St Helens WA11 9ND 
  • St Peter & St Paul RC Primary School, Derwent Road, Haresfinch, St Helens WA11 9AT 
  • Chain Lane Community Centre, Hinckley Road/Chain Lane, St Helens WA11 9HT 
  • Moss Bank Mission, Moss Bank Road, Moss Bank, St Helens WA11 7DF 

Voters looking for more information can contact Electoral Services on 01744 646464. 

For more information visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/elections