One of Swindon Borough Council's cabinet members says the blunder which saw 3,000 letters sent to voters telling them they were no longer registered is not the council's fault.

Dale Heenan, the cabinet member for the town centre said: "I am pleased to hear Swindon council staff were not involved in any way, and that Electoral Reform Services, the printer and mailing company, has admitted full and sole responsibility for the error. Its a big cock-up from the UK's leading independent provider of ballot, election & voting services, and it should never have happened. It is an unacceptable mistake. The issue has been reported to the Information Commissioner and I hope they investigate further to provide assurance to all councils and voters that no other data will be mishandled."

Electoral Reform Services has declined to comment.

The council has sent out 3,000 letters retracting the first sent in error.