THERE are currently no plans to postpone the Clackmannanshire by-election next week, in response to the coronavirus in the Forth Valley Area.

Residents in Dollar and Clackmannan are due to go to the polls on Thursday next week and the Advertiser understands there is, as yet, no plan to cancel.

Earlier today, the Electoral Commission has written to the UK Government to argue that local government elections, due to take place in England and Wales in May, should not go ahead.

However, it is anticipated that the current Covid-19 outbreak will hit its peak over the next few months. 

Nicola Sturgeon announced that, as of Monday, large gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled.

However, at present, any restrictions are unlikely to affect the Clacks East by-election next week.

The first minister also said that school trips abroad should also be curtailed, but that steps to close schools in Scotland would not be taken at this time.