THE by-election in Clackmannanshire East is still going ahead, the council confirmed this morning.

Voters are to go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday, November 19) with a number of coronavirus safety measures in place.

Clackmannanshire will remain under Level 3 restrictions – meanwhile a by-election in the Fortissat ward of North Lanarkshire, an area which is to move under Level 4 restrictions come Friday, has been postponed.

The vacant council seat in the Wee County will be contested by Jim Hay (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Marion Robertson (Scottish Greens), Stephen Leitch (SNP), Carolynne Hunter (Scottish Labour) and Denis Coyne (Scottish Conservatives).

The by-election was due to be held back in March originally, but was postponed when the national lockdown was announced.

Clackmannanshire Council has outlined a number of safety measures which will be in place tomorrow.

There will be physical distancing requirements and there may be a limit on the number of people allowed inside the polling place at the one time.

Voters will be expected to wear a face covering, similar to going into the shops or on public transport.

People should sanitise their hands when going into the polling place and upon leaving – hand sanitiser will be made available on entry and exit.

Staff will be behind protective screens, but people will still be able to ask for help if required.

Voters will be allowed to take their own pencils or pens; fresh clean pencils will be available for everyone as well.

Where possible, polling places will have one-way systems in place with people asked to follow signage and instructions.

The local authority is advising that polling places are usually busiest in the morning and after school.

Polling places will be open from 7am to 10pm.

If there is a queue, people will still be able to vote as long as they joined before 10pm.