A Hereford council house tenant whose wife died two years ago received a ballot paper addressed to her in the referendum on privatising council-owned properties.

Josiah Boulton, 74, a tenant of 12 years in Vilberie Way, Whitecross, said he wasn't emotionally distressed by the error but said he hoped the results of the referendum would be exact.

Head of Housing Services of Herefordshire Council, Tony Jaques said: "I am obviously sorry for any distress caused to Mr Boulton.

"However, in an effort to avoid this type of situation, every tenant was written to a little while ago enclosing tenancy information held and requesting that they check this and advise us of any errors. Mr Boulton did not advise us that anything was incorrect."

The county's 6,000 council tenants have a fortnight to accept or reject the proposal to place management and ownership of their properties in the hands of a private company.

Herefordshire Council said £82 million would be spent improving homes and services in the first ten years if tenants vote 'yes'.