WITH just two weeks left until the General Election, candidates in the town are ramping up their campaign efforts - but also preparing to do battle on May 7 are takeaways in the town.

The results for both constituencies in the town are not set to be revealed until 5.30am on May 8 - which provides eateries with an opportunity to provide their services to the many setting up camp at Birchwood's Leisure and Tennis Complex.

The General Election, as well as the council and parish council elections the following day, will take place at the site.

Town centre takeaway, Hot Spot, based on Bridge Street, admits it has put measures in place to ensure it is ready for a potential influx of business on election night, on which it will be open until 2.30am.

Store manager, Ahmed Dardori, has put forward the possibility of candidates putting their differences aside to combine orders to save money.

But he admits interest of the election among customers has not been clear to see so far and he remains unsure whether it will improve in the closing stages of the race for both seats.

"We have a variety of food here - pizza, kebabs, pasta and vegetarian options," he said.

"We have got many options to suit everyone and even if it is a big order it will be no problem to cope - we also reduce the price for bigger orders."

Another Bridge Street takeaway, Chilli Grill, is also eagerly anticipating election night but it believes residents are focusing on other matters ahead of May 7.

"We just take things as they come and are always prepared - we are more than ready," said Zeb Dar, store manager.

"We have a mixture of Asian curries and also southern fried food - there is a lot of choice."

The 45-year-old added: "People are more interested in the football but maybe nearer the time people will speak about it more."