General Election 2019: Kent's most unusual polling stations include Fenn Bell Inn zoo, Tonbridge Castle and a Portacabin
11:30, 12 December 2019
updated: 12:35, 12 December 2019
Pubs, a castle and a zoo - yes, a zoo - are just some of the locations for polling stations across the county today.
As voters go to the ballot box, we've had a look at some of the most unusual places where votes for the General Election will be cast in Kent today.
Fenn Bell Inn Zoo, Allhallows
Constituency: Rochester and Strood
Parliament could be described as something of a zoo in recent years, but there’s literally one zoo that will be playing a huge role in today’s election.
The Fenn Bell Inn in Fenn Street, Allhallows, is staking its claim as the country’s most unusual polling station.
Landlord and zoo manager Andy Cowell has been hosting ballot boxes in the 17th century inn for the past five years, since taking the reigns.
It is a unique venue in itself, combining a watering hole for humans with a drinking hole for 126 different animals, ranging from monkeys, lemurs to meerkats and endangered species.
Mr Cowell said: “It’s probably the most unusual polling station in the country, I would think.
“The remit of the place was to save the local pub and part of that is being the heart of the community.
“Being a polling station is part of what we’re really saving. If the zoo wasn’t here we wouldn’t be here.
“People come in and vote and have something to eat and drink and it’s all part of the community.
He added: “What is weird is that we’ve got people coming to the zoo and they come and see the polling station too.”
About 200 voters are registered to vote in the remote village on the Hoo Peninsula and will be heading to the polls.
Mr Cowell added: “We haven’t got a massive electorate but obviously our votes are worth something.
“It’s a big election and you would expect a good turnout.
Describing the pub, he said: “As you walk through the main door you literally walk in and turn left for the polling station and right into the bar. It’s a simple as that.”
Kelly Tolhurst (Con), Teresa Murray (Lab), Graham Colley (Lib Dem), Sonia Hyner (Green), Roy Freshwater (Ukip), Chris Spalding (Independent) are contesting the Rochester and Strood seat.
Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge
Constituency: Tonbridge and Malling
Dating back to the 11th century, Tonbridge Castle is possibly the oldest polling station in the UK.
The fortress was built following the Norman invasion of England by William the Conquerer in 1066.
It sits in the Tonbridge and Malling constituency which is contested by Tom Tugenhadt (Con), Dylan Jones (Lab), Richard Morris (Lib Dem) and April Clark (Green).
Portacabin on the Green, Throwley Forstal
Constituency: Faversham and Mid Kent
The village of Throwley Forstal, near Faversham, claims a temporary Portacabin located on the green.
It's the more remote places in the county which utilise their community assets more which has this year been highlighted even more due to the timing of the election.
With Christmas approaching as well - and the first December election since 1923 - many of the regularly used polling stations such as village halls and schools were already booked out for pantos and nativities or festive events.
Throwley Forstal sits in the Faversham and Mid Kent constituency which is being fought for by Helen Whately (Con), Jenny Reeves (Lab), Hannah Perkin (Lib Dem), Hannah Temple (Green), Gary Butler (Independent).
Two Sawyers, Woolage Green
Constituency: Canterbury
While pubs are often used in rural areas, it makes our list because, let's face it, going to the pub to cast a vote is still pretty unusual.
Pubs are at the heart of the communities and the Two Sawyers in Woolage Green - right on the edge of Kent's most marginal seat, Canterbury - will welcome villagers to make one of the biggest decisions in the country today.
Perhaps more people might vote if more pubs were used as voters pop in for a pint and cast their ballot.
Labour's Rosie Duffield is looking to hold on to the seat she remarkably won in 2017 from previous Tory MP Sir Julian Brazier, who held the seat for 30 years.
She will go head-to-head in a two horse race with Conservative Anna Firth in a vote which is almost too close to call.
The two will battle it out against Claire Malcomson (Lib Dem) and Michael Gould (Independent).
Bob Prowse Health Club, Maidstone
Constituency: Maidstone and The Weald
Is this the county's only gym operating as a polling station today?
Voters can cast the ballot and work out in the same visit to the health centre in Maidstone - which sits right on the border of the Maidstone and The Weald and the Faversham and Mid Kent seats.
Club bosses say use of the building as a polling station was built into the lease when founder Bob Prowse first started running the venue.
However, booths and ballot boxes are set up in a separate room to the gym itself, therefore fitness fanatics will not be affected by the arrival of voters throughout the day.
The seat is being contested by Helen Grant (Con), Dan Wilkinson (Lab), James Willis (Lib Dem), Stuart Jeffery (Green), Yolande Kenward (Independent).
Star Meadow Sports Club, Gillingham
Constituency: Gillingham and Rainham
For more Kent 2019 General Election coverage click here.
