A mistake has been identified on postal ballot papers issued to voters in Saffron Walden and Stansted, which has forced the district council to apologise.

Uttlesford District Council (UDC) says a small number of papers have serial numbers which do not match the number on their accompanying security statement.

UDC posted letters yesterday (April 13) to voters in Saffron Walden and Stansted who have been affected by the blunder, with new postal ballot papers issued to those residents early next week.

A spokesman for UDC said: “It is important that residents with postal votes check the numbers on their paper and security statement match before returning their votes.

“If the numbers do not match and you have not received a letter by Tuesday morning (April 18) you should ring the council on 01799 510510 and ask to speak to electoral services.

“If the two numbers match, you do not need to do anything except vote as usual. The council apologises for this error and any inconvenience caused.”