THE decision to ban cameras and mobile phones from the election count in Keighley and others across West Yorkshire is frankly bizarre.

For years, cameras – and in more recent times, mobiles and laptop computers – have been used without any problems at all.

They are a staple of the media's armoury to bring news to the public as it happens, not to mention an important tool for candidates and political parties.

For Wakefield Council chief executive and returning officer, Joanne Roney, who is overseeing the Police and Crime Commissioner poll, to suggest those responsible for counting could be "distracted or intimidated" by cameras is simply absurd.

It's never happened before, so why should it be an issue now?