Newark by-election: Toasting success? But who will it be?

One of the more unusual polling stations in Newark is the Castle and Falcon on London Road, Newark, where ale could influence a vote or two.

More than 70 constituents had cast their vote by mid-morning at the venue.

Presiding officer Mr Michael Bowie, who has served in every election held in Newark bar one since the early 1970s, said people had no excuse not to vote due to the amount of interest the by-election has generated.

He said: "I think this by-election has been covered by every news organisation around in the last two weeks, so hopefully we'll get a lot of people coming to vote.

"There are about 1,100 people who can use this polling station and we've had about 70 so far. The first people to come and vote were an elderly couple at 7.10am this morning.

"Whoever wins the by-election, whether it be an established party or not, needs to work for the people of Newark and concentrate on local issues."

Among the voters were Mr Al Khayat, 57, of Barnbygate, Newark, who used to work in IT management.

He said: "It's been a very exciting time in the town. To see the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister visit has been exciting.

"It has increased my interest in politics and it's made people think about the area.

"Issues that I thought about when choosing who to vote for were local schools and safety at night time when there are a lot of drunk people around.

"I have voted for the Conservatives, as I did in the European Election."

Mrs Sharon Preston, 42, of Balderton, and her mother Mrs Mary Dring, 78, of Newark, both voted for Labour's Michael Payne.

Despite having always backed Labour previously, Mrs Preston said she had nearly voted for Conservative candidate Mr Robert Jenrick to make sure he got more votes than UKIP's Roger Helmer.

She said: "I have always voted for Labour but I would rather have a Conservative MP than a UKIP MP. I am worried about UKIP but I think the Conservatives will win."

Mrs Dring said: "It's surprising how many politicians have come to Newark as we're quite a small town really. I have always voted for Labour."

David Cumberland, 59, the landlord of the Castle&Falcon Pub, said he had voted for independent candidate Mr Paul Baggaley.

He said: "It's all about saving the hospital, that is what a lot of local people are most concerned about.

"t's been a bit of a circus, but if there can be a lasting effect on the town from being put on the map then that is only a good thing."

Mr Gareth Capner a UKIP party member who travelled from Hampshire to support Mr Helmer's campaign said: "Hopefully this by-election is a success because many people have a very negative view of politicians, which was not helped by your former representative."

"I have been a Conservative all my life but this is the first time I have been actively engaged with a party.

"UKIP are the only party concerned with the money we spend in the EU."

One voter from Newark, who didn't want to be named, said she will be relieved when the by-election is over. She said she had found one of the main parties' campaigning methods offensive.

"They accost you as you walk across the Market Place which I have found offensive," she said. She did not wish to specify which party she was referring to.