Voters head to the polls

EARLY VISIT: Ann Ravey

EARLY bird Ann Ravey prepares to vote at Chapel Street polling station in Shaw this morning.

She was among the first people to cast their ballots as election candidates hoped forecast rain didn’t arrive and affect turnout.

There’s a third of the 60 seats on Oldham Council up for grabs, as well as parish council elections in Saddleworth and Shaw and Crompton.

Voters are also taking part in the national referendum on changing the way we vote from the current first past the post to the alternative vote system.

The council is currently under no overall control, with the Lib-Dem/Tory coalition the ruling group.

But this could all change as Labour defend 10 seats, the Lib-Dems try to keep hold of nine and the Conservatives battle to save one.