VOTERS in a Trowbridge by-election were left baffled when a misprint on hundreds of polling cards sent them in the wrong direction.

Blundering officials at West Wiltshire District Council sent scores of people to the wrong church, by leaving out a key word on polling cards for the town council election.

People living in the College ward were directed to vote at Upper Studley Church the name often used for St John's Church.

But the polling station was in fact 10 minutes' walk down the road at Upper Studley Baptist Church.

Council officers apologised for the mistake this week but some residents were put off voting altogether after finding themselves at the wrong location.

Voter Ken Lucas, of Whiterow Park, said: "When the polling card came through and said Upper Studley Church I thought it was unusual as the polling station is normally at the Baptist church.

"I am sure a lot of people would have been confused. I know one elderly lady who went to St John's could not be bothered to go to the genuine station.

"I have lived here for 83 years so I had prior warning."

Tory candidate Philip Seager said he pointed voters in the direction of St John's Church, believing it to be a polling station.

"I could have lost a few votes from this mistake," he said.

"It was never mentioned at the count, in fact there was nothing said at all. I would have thought this issue was quite fundamental."

A district council spokesman said the mistake was noticed too late to rectify but signs were put up on the day.

The by-election was called following the resignation of gay-hate councillor Ben Biddulph, who outraged the town with his comments about homosexuals.

Once again the majority of voters stayed away, with a 31 per cent turnout, Lib Dem candidate Graham Hedley secured his place back on the town council with 538 votes.

Mr Seager clocked up 412 votes, with Green Party candidate Tim-othy Unsworth receiving 179 votes.

Independent candidate Liam Silcocks had 120 votes.

Voters in College ward face the possibility of two more by-elections, caused by the sudden resignation of town deputy mayor Steve Squires. A by-election for the district council seat will be held on July 15. A town council by-election has not been called so far.