Pubs, hairdressers, farms and plumbers offer voting chance

Pubs, hairdressers, a farm shop and even a plumbers are some of the more unusual polling stations being used across the region to boost turnout. In North Lincolnshire the Pink Pig farm offers voters a day out for their troubles, with walking trails, a shop and a cafe.

Manager Sally Jackson is confident their customers will take the chance to have their say.

She said: "This is the first time that we have done it – we are hoping the temptation of coffee and cake will bring them in. It seems a good idea, we are offering a place to spend the day and you can vote at the same time."

In Hull the city council is using two hairdressers.

Linda Bates, of Restyle hairdressing, believes it will take a lot to restore faith in politics following the recent scandals over expenses and lobbying.

She said: "It is a good way to get people involved, there will be a booth at the front of the salon."

Amy Usher, of Ush Hair Studio, agreed but said she was unlikely to vote herself.

She said: "It is there for people to get involved."