A UKIP supporter has been accused of attempting to influence voters outside a polling station in Hatch Warren.

As residents headed to the polling station this morning, they were greeted by a man with a UKIP flag on his shirt, who was reportedly telling voters: "We're here to help and support the residents of Hatch Warren.”

One Hatch Warren resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Gazette that it felt like the man was trying to promote the actions of UKIP locally and therefore, by association, influence voters.

He said: “As people were entering he was asking them if they lived locally.  If they answered yes, he went on to tell them about a water scam, for which he had no proof.   

“His political views are his right to hold, so this isn't about him being UKIP - I'd be equally enraged for any political party acting in this manner-  in my honest opinion he abused his privileged position in a thinly veiled attempt to influence votes.”

It is an offence for tellers and campaigners to attempt to induce, influence or persuade an elector how or whether to vote.

After being informed of the incident Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council sent officers to the polling station but the man had already moved on.

Counting officer at the council Laura Taylor said: “The Electoral Commission sets out clear guidelines for tellers who are permitted to stand outside polling stations and record the number of electors who have voted.

“If a member of the public is concerned about the tellers, they should raise it with the election staff in the polling station who can usually deal with the issue quickly and easily.”

It was also reported that some voters in South Ham were turned away from the polling station this morning because of confusion over their address.

The council's counting officer, Mrs Taylor added: "All our polling station staff are fully trained to help residents if there is any confusion about whether the voter is at the right polling station.

"If there are any issues or problems they can’t address on site they would always refer back to the council’s election team."

If any resident is unsure of where their polling station is call the BDBC's election team on 01256 844844 or visit basingstoke.gov.uk/european-referendum-2016.

Were you affected by either of these? Contact Tim Birkbeck on tim.birkbeck@basingstokegazette.co.uk or call 01256 337418.