Thousands of postal votes flooding in to City Hall were being stringently examined by election officials today amid widespread claims the system is being abused.

Returning Officer Ian Stewart has been in meetings with police for the past two days after receiving large numbers of complaints about the postal votes which can now be obtained by anyone because the Government has relaxed the rules.

He said: "We have methods of making strict checks on all votes and that will be happening."

Mr Stewart gave the pledge as some politicians planned to make representations to the Electoral Commission which advises the Government about elections about the potential for misuse.

Many of the 40,000 votes issued have already been returned to the elections office, giving candidates an early indication of final results.

But the postal voters have until 9pm today when the polling booths close to return them.

Mr Stewart has received allegations including claims of intimidation and threats against postal voters by people trying to get the forms or persuade electors to support certain candidates.

He has passed a number of serious complaints on to the police including a claim that one house received a large number of postal voting forms.

Police are also still investigating a claim of irregularities on the nomination forms of British National Party candidate James Breslin who is standing in Great Horton.

Mr Breslin has been released on police bail pending further inquiries but he has said he collected all the nominations.

Melanie Milnes, standing in Thornton as an Independent, was replacing her 100 posters after complaining that they had been torn down on two occasions.

Mr Stewart said he would be working closely with the police throughout the day and night with security at all counts and polling stations.

"We are acting on intelligence we receive and will also be using private security," he added.