NEXT May's council elections in Bolton will be conducted entirely by postal vote.

The Government has given Bolton the go-ahead to keep its polling stations closed next year in a trial of the postal voting system.

The move is being made to encourage more Bolton people to take part in voting for their council.

Local elections attract a turnout of voters much lower than that for a general election.

In this year's council elections, experimental postal voting was introduced in Smithills, Bromley Cross and Farnworth and it brought a five per cent increase in votes.

Previously, only certain people -- such as members of the armed forces, those working away from home or the long-term sick -- were allowed to vote by post.

But some local politicians have voiced their fears that there could be possible fraud and misuse of the postal voting system.

Liberal Democrat councillor David Wilkinson said: "I have serious concerns. We need more security in the process."

"But we will have to see.The proof of the pudding will be in the eating."

Security fears have arisen because there is no requirement for a counter-signature as proof of identity on the postal electoral form.

Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth said that the system has been used in the experimental areas in Bolton this year and there had been no allegations that it had been abused.

"I consider it is money well spent if it involves 10,000 more people in the elections next year," he said.

The one-year trial is costing Bolton Council £80,000.

Is total postal voting a good idea? E-mail Chris Sudlow, Internet Editor, on csudlow@boltoneveningnews.co.uk; Contact the Newsdesk on Bolton 537270; or write to: Letters to the Editor, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE