Disabled voters in last week’s general election were forced to cast their ballots in a school playground after being unable to access a Leven polling station.
Wheelchair users were unable to access the sports hall of Mountfleurie Primary School because of steps leading into the building.
Councillor Alistair Hunter, the election agent of the victorious Peter Grant in the Glenrothes and Central Fife constituency, said that he witnessed four people voting in the school playground when they were unable to enter the hall.
Despite the best efforts of staff at the polling station, he said the situation was unacceptable.
“There are steps there and that makes access to people with mobility issues very difficult,” he told The Courier.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for the officers for trying to assist people, but they should never have been put in this position.
“The polling station at Mountfleurie Primary was virtually inaccessible.
“The doors had to be tied open so it was cold for the staff and it was also too small for the number of voters.
“The major problem was the voters turning up and not being able to access the polling station if they were in wheelchairs.
“The council has a duty to ensure that the polling station is accessible.”
Mr Hunter raised his concern with Fife Council’s democratic services department at lunchtime on Thursday, with members of the team responding early in the afternoon.
A number of schools throughout Fife remained open, despite doubling up as polling stations last Thursday in an effort not to disrupt pupils’ learning.
Voters were often asked to use alternative entrances to school buildings as a means of ensuring the safety of pupils and staff.
David Henderson, committee services team manager, has told The Courier that the local authority had received no official complaints from any member of the public.
Mr Henderson said: “We have had no official complaints over access at Mountfleurie however, we are aware that the revised dual use arrangements had caused an access issue for some.
“Polling staff were on hand to help anyone who required further assistance.
“I’m aware of one instance where voters were not able to access the room but alternative arrangements were made to enable them to cast their vote, privately and within the legal parameters.
“Given the intention that known polling dates in future should coincide with schools’ in-service days, this may be regarded as a ‘one-off’ situation which shouldn’t recur.”