THE council have announced the polling stations for next week's by-election in Wanstead, but controversy surrounding the vote continues this morning.

Yesterday a hustings between the six candidates was dramatically cancelled at the last minute after Labour refused to share a platform with the British National Party (BNP).

There were also fears that a large number of BNP members would turn up to the meeting and cause trouble, a claim strongly denied by the party.

Redbridge Police have confirmed within the past hour that a BNP canvasser arrested over alleged racist abuse has now been released without charge due to lack of evidence, and confirmed they had spoken to three other BNP campaigners in Wanstead on Tuesday night.

The BNP have refused to reveal the identity of their activist at the centre of the allegations.

The polling stations for the election are: Snaresbrook Football and Cricket Club Pavilion in Nutter Lane, Wanstead Leisure Centre in Redbridge Lane West, and Aldersbrook Primary School in Harpenden Road.

Polls open at 7am and close at 10pm.

The vote is on Thursday April 23.

The candidates are: John Evans (BNP), Kate Garrett (Lib Dems), Ashley Gunstock (Green Party), Ross Hatfull (Labour), Nick Jones (UKIP) and Alex Wilson (Conservatives).