Brighton and Hove City Council has admitted losing a batch of poll cards for Thursday's General Election.

The blunder came to light only after a member of the public spotted several cards lying in a street after they fell out of a delivery sack.

More than 20 people in Stephens Road, Brighton, are estimated to have been missed out.

The council's electoral services department, which is responsible for the delivery of the cards, today reassured residents they could still vote without one.

A spokesman said the cards were "mislaid" during distribution. He said: "Some of the cards dropped out of a bag and were seen by a good soul who found a couple in the road and popped them through the owners' doors.

"The message we are trying to get across is it does not mean people in Stephens Road can't vote. Poll cards speed up the whole process but they are not a legal requirement."

He said those affected could vote by turning up at their polling station in St Richards Hall, Mountfields, and giving their name and address to the officer.

Jeanne Lepper, Labour councillor for Hollingbury ward, said the blunder was "outrageous" and she would be urging the council to find out exactly what happened.

She said: "What worries me is, someone is paid by the council to deliver the cards and has not done the job. Someone should be asked to account for themselves.

"I am shocked and worried that people who haven't received a card will think they can't vote. But I want to reassure them they can."

June 5, 2001