SIX days are left before residents in Bury go to the polls — for the second time in two months.
Voters are being asked to decide if they want an elected mayor to run the council. Currently, the council is run by an executive committee.
A council spokesman said: “As local elections have only just happened in Bury it is understandable that there has been some confusion over what a referendum actually is, and what the polling cards are for.
“A referendum is a direct vote in which everyone of voting age who lives in Bury, is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal, in this case it is a change in administration for the council.”
A ‘yes’ vote in favour of a directly-elected Mayor will result in an election on October 16. A ‘no’ vote will mean the current system remains.
The council was legally required to hold a referendum because campaign group Manchester Against Road Tolls (MART) gained signatures from local people who said that they would like to vote for a change in administration.
Signatures were collected by MART in their bid to make a stand about proposals to introduce a congestion charge. The group wants to back a candidate who would fight against the implementation of a road toll.
Polling stations will open at 7am on July 3 and close at 10pm. The count will then take place at Bury Town Hall and the result is expected to be announced a few hours later.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here