ELECTION candidates for the vacant Crewe West seat will not be conducting doorstep canvassing because of Covid-19.

The government issued guidance from today (March 8) that political party workers and candidates in the local elections, which take place on May 6, will be allowed to knock on doors as well as distribute leaflets to inform residents and canvass support.

Under national lockdown guidelines previously in force both the delivery of campaign leaflets and doorstep canvassing was banned.

But Labour candidate Connor Naismith, Conservative candidate Teja Vaddala and Brian Silvester, who is standing for Putting Crewe First, have said they will not be ringing doorbells in order to minimise social contact in the ward.

Mr Naismith said "I am looking forward to a time when it is safe to engage with residents face to face again as much as everyone else. However, I do not feel that we have reached the moment where that would be appropriate yet.

"Our NHS workers are doing a fantastic job rolling out the vaccine and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we all need to continue doing our bit until it is safe.

"For that reason I will be limiting my campaign activity to the delivery of election leaflets, as well as phone canvassing which I have been doing up until now.

"I think this is the responsible approach – putting the interests of residents and public health above politics."

Crewe and Nantwich Conservative Association Chairman Donald Potter said of Mr Vaddala's plans: "In the short term we wont be knocking on doors, but we will be delivering leaflets. We are doing the sensible things and posting through letter boxes."

Both Mr Vaddala and Mr Silvester are also standing for election to Crewe Town Council, with both by-elections - Crewe West on Cheshire East Council and the town council vote - called to fill vacancies left by the passing of Labour stalwart Brian Roberts last February.

Labour's candidate for the town council seat is Ben Wye.

Mr Silvester confirmed: "We won't be canvassing but we will be leafleting. We will maintain social distancing while leafleting."

Cheshire East Council is ensuring voter safety at polling booths with hand sanitisers and floor markings to ensure social distancing, while postal and proxy votes are being offered as an alternative for those who don't wish to attend in person.

As well as the two council seats, voters in Crewe will be asked to vote in the ballot for Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner.