THE returning officer for Greenwich has defended her choice of vote-counting venue after many people slammed the freezing conditions.

Eltham MP Clive Efford and Conservative leader Spencer Drury have criticised the huge London Soccerdome, Greenwich, after staff had to wear coats and scarves during a marathon count which is still going on.

Mary Ney, who picked the venue, said it had been the only place in the borough large enough to accomodate the 350 staff counting votes in two parliamentary constituencies and council ballots on the same night.

She said: "We've visited it on a number of occasions and it's never been cold.

"We wouldn't expect it to be as cold as this in May."

She said: "We're looking after the staff in terms of hot refreshments and breaks."

And she denied the choice had been a mistake, saying: "It was a good option if it hadn't been such a cold night."