SCORES of voters are furious as the Government’s controversial new ID scheme has seen them be unable to cast their ballot in today’s local elections.

Reports on social media say there have been issues in the five areas where trials of a new system are in place, where you need to bring proof of your identity.

MPs and councillors have said people, including elderly residents, are being turned away from polling stations in Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking.

Peter White, who has been voting in the UK since 1967, told the Independent he was shocked to discover that because he doesn't have a bank card or passport he could not cast his vote in the local elections.

Speaking outside a polling station in Penge, Mr White said: "I've come to vote today and they've told me I can't, even though they know me down here.

“They won't let me in. It's shocking. This is a nonsense scheme they're putting in place."

Angela Wilkins, leader of the Labour group in Bromley, said five people have been unable to vote and that the scheme is also causing long delays, tweeting: "So why are we doing this?"

And Ellie Reeves, Labour MP for Lewisham West and Penge, posted: "Just been to vote. Was informed that two people had already turned up without ID this morning so had been unable to vote.

"Very worrying and backs up all the evidence that the voter ID pilot in Bromley is plain wrong."

Finnegan Pope-Carter and his wife Dr Chrys Harris were both refused when they arrived to vote in Shipley, near Bradford this morning, which isn't even part of the voter ID trial.

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