FOUR local election candidates have called for an inquiry into alleged ballot box irregularities.

They all stood for election to Richmondshire District Council, in North Yorkshire, which last night denied any breach of procedures had taken place.

Candidates Jack Goodwin (British National Party), Chris Goodwin (BNP) and Patrick Brennan (Lib-Dem) stood in the Catterick ward, while Tony Pelton (independent) stood in Hornby Castle.

All failed to get elected.

In a written statement, the candidates said: "We call upon Richmondshire District Council to conduct a thorough inquiry into ballot box procedures."

They also called on the council to make clear what were questionable procedures and practices.

The candidates allege that:

* Ballot boxes were left unattended overnight without consignment notes showing seal numbers;

* Ballot boxes were without seals while being prepared for counting;

* Ballot boxes were not sealed after polling closed;

l Candidates were not invited to inspect the boxes to ensure they were properly sealed before counting;

* And ballot boxes were brought to the counting tables already opened.

Another unsuccessful candidate, outspoken community campaigner Bernard Borman, who stood as an independent in Lower Wensleydale, has reported his concerns over alleged ballot boxes irregularities to police, who said they were investigating.

In response to the concerns from the candidates, Richmondshire District Council officials say the ballot boxes were locked with a padlock and then sealed after the poll had taken place.

They said the boxes were locked overnight at Colburn Sports Centre, where the count took place the next day.

Officials said the building was also alarmed and that police agreed to patrol the area throughout the night.

Officials said the only seals removed before the count were surplus fasteners placed on the boxes unnecessarily.

Harry Tabiner, the district council's returning officer, said: "As far as we are concerned, the allegations are groundless.

"We have officers checking during the day at the polling stations that all boxes are secure and that lock seals are in place.

"Only the surplus seals were removed prior to the count.

"However, the lock seals remained in place until the count commenced."