A BAN on schools being used as polling stations could be introduced in Worcestershire, it has emerged.

Worcestershire County Council is going to have a vote over whether to eliminate the tactic amid concerns that pupil's education is being disrupted.

For years, dozens of schools across the county have been turned into makeshift voting centres to ensure people don't have to travel more than a short walk on polling day.

But the Labour group says headteachers have become increasingly annoyed at schools having to close for the day, saying it causes "huge disruption".

It also says the increasing number of elections since 2014 has exacerbated the problem, with schools have to accommodate an EU referendum, council elections, a police and crime commissioner ballot and two General Elections, including June 8.

Some parts of the country such as Cambridge have ended the tactic after similar concerns.

Councillor Peter McDonald, Labour group leader, said: "Many parents have to take a day off work because their schools will be forced to close so they can be used as a polling station.

"Children are delighted that they get a day off school, but it’s a huge inconvenience for working parents.

"Effectively, parents lose a day's pay every election day, which they can ill afford.

"Schools are attractive because they are free to hire and are an attractive option to busy returning officers with a limited budget, but surely there are other locations such as libraries, church halls and portacabins."

The suggestion is being backed by some schools in Worcester, who say they have concerns about the disruption to children and working parents.

Spencer Morris, headteacher of Red Hill Primary School, said: "We should be working with the community, but not at the detriment of children's learning.

"My main concern is the loss of learning, and the awkwardness of working parents trying to sort out childcare.

"I can't segregate the public from our children so for safeguarding reasons we have to close, and it is a hassle. It's not ideal."

He said he often schedules elections to coincide with teacher training days, but some events like the snap General Election are impossible to legislate for.

Several other schools around Worcester also accommodate makeshift polling stations including Pitmaston Primary, Oldbury Park Primary, Perdiswell Primary and St George's C of E Primary.

Councillors will be discussing it during a meeting at County Hall tomorrow, from 10am.