Sir, We understand that, in order to save money, Scottish Borders Council are considering a proposal to close the Tweedsmuir polling station, so that voters will have to travel to Broughton in future unless they are prepared to use a postal vote.

A number of local residents are upset about this, because Tweedsmuir, a dispersed rural area, has no public transport, and it would be difficult for many residents, including the elderly, to reach the Broughton polling station.

For some people this could mean a round trip of up to 30 miles.

A postal vote is a poor alternative, because it does not enable voters to hear last-minute arguments and developments which may influence their decision, as occurred in the recent referendum, for example.

If postal voting is left to the last minute, there are always doubts about whether the vote will reach the returning officer in time.

While postal voting is acceptable as a voluntary alternative for those who wish to use it for personal reasons, it is not acceptable on a compulsory basis, which would be the effect for those voters who cannot reach Broughton.

It is wrong for the manner of voting to be dictated by where a person lives.

As one resident put it: “Removing our local polling station flies in the face of both current political trends and sensible practical ways of promoting local democracy.” I am, etc.

Chris Lewin, Chairman Upper Tweed Community Council