THE 45 per cent turn-out at last week's local elections brought shock changes at town and district level, complaints of poor information and allegations of dirty tricks.

In a tight tussle for the Malvern Hills District Council vote, Cllr George Price (Ind) took Cllr Alec Wall (Con) to the wire, beating him by 16 votes after a recount. Newcomer, Philip Grove (Con), defeated Jonathon Morgan for the second seat.

Early voters, confused over two councils to elect and a long list of candidates to consider, had to queue to cast their vote. Claims that on-site advice was poor and pencilled alterations on incorrect posters unclear, brought a sharp response from Reg Thomas, presiding officer at Tenbury.

He said: "People don't seem to realise that there are two elections taking place and have not read the information properly."

Shown the changed notice pinned to the front door of the polling station, he instantly ripped it down.

Early voter Terese Morris said: "It is our duty to vote. It's no good complaining about council services if you don't."

Vera Stinton was concerned about local transport and rising community charges. She said: "Nothing seems to get done, so new blood might stop the rot."

Mrs Jenni Banfield (92) accompanied by her daughter Sadie Chalkley, insisted: "Something must be done to help the elderly, particularly with the community charge. People fought and died for the right to vote so perhaps it is time for change."

A dispute over advertising boards, erected by local Conservatives, had to be settled by district solicitor Nigel Snape. He told the Advertiser: "I spotted them during my rounds of the district. They were on private property and there was no contravention. However, they were extremely conspicuous. After discussion with the parties involved, it was agreed that they should be removed."