A council chief has hit out at “confusing” restrictions which ban election officers from explaining to people what they are voting for.

Voters going to the polls on Thursday will be asked to decide whether they want to change the system used to vote for MPs.

Despite many people reporting confusion over what exactly the Alternative Vote is, staff in polling stations have been told they are not allowed to give any information or advice.

They must instead direct voters towards the Electoral Commission website or the brochure it has produced, neither of which are allowed in the polling station.

Arun District Council's chief executive Alan Sumnall has likened the rules to a “gag” on giving vital information to voters.

Mr Sumnall, who is overseeing elections for the district, town and parish elections and referendum in Arun, said the regulations from the Electoral Commission were “just too restrictive”.

A spokeswoman for the Electoral Commission said: “As with any other campaign issue, polling station staff cannot be seen to be advising voters."

For more information on the Alternative Vote go to www.electoralcommission.org.uk.