LOCAL elections in May are set to go ahead despite concerns they might spike another surge in Covid-19, according to reports.

It had widely been predicted that elections would be delayed until October, particularly after a survey last month of senior local government officers showed the vast majority had serious concerns.

Ministers had also previously said the local elections for England, scheduled for May 6, were under review amid uncertainty about lockdown restrictions.

While Cheshire East Council elections were held in 2019, a by-election is needed in one Crewe ward, Crewe West, and three candidates have already declared their intention to stand.

There is also an election due to appoint a new Police and Crime Commissioner due in the county, but it was thought both elections would be put back over fears of spreading Covid-19.

However, the BBC reports today (Friday) that government sources say elections to local councils and police and crime commissioners will go ahead in May.

There will be some safety measures, with voters asked to bring their own pen or pencil to mark their ballots.

In all, £70m will be made available to make polling stations Covid-secure.

Masks will be compulsory in polling stations and there will be divider screens and sanitiser.

• Those who have declared their intention to contest the Crewe West ward so far are Connor Naismith (Labour), Teja Vaddala (Conservative) and Brian Silvester (Putting Crewe First). The seat has been vacant for a year since the death of former Labour councillor Brian Roberts.