Baslow votes on European treaty

Written by Staff Copy and published in Matlock Mercury on Fri 14th Mar 2008

Baslow villagers are going to the polls today (Friday) to vote on whether there should be a referendum on the EU Treaty.

Vote organiser Brian Singleton said Baslow and Bubnell villagers were angry that the district council refused their request for a parish referendum in January, and a do-it-yourself poll was their best option.

Over 1,000 ballot cards were sent to every home in the parish last week.

Polling stations will be open from 4-8pm at the village hall and outside the Spar shop. Residents can also vote by post.

The results will be sent to the government.

Mr Singleton said the poll will follow local government rules as close as possible, despite being unofficial.

He added: "All we are asking for is a way to show our views."

Parish council vice-chairman David Dalrymple-Smith chaired a residents meeting in January, which voted in favour of a national referendum. He will be returning officer for the vote.

The district council was unavailable for comment