Elections set to take place in May could be delayed, some for a second time, due to fears over the spread of coronavirus.

Government bosses are concerned over the practicalities of holding the elections during the pandemic because of public safety fears, social distancing and the capacity of venues to host voters.

There are also concerns over the safety of campaign activists being out and about and visiting people's doors.

Elections due to take place this year in Greater Lincolnshire include:

The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner

Lincolnshire County Council's 70 seats

11 of City of Lincoln Council's 33 seats

and 14 of North East Lincolnshire Council's 42 seats Elections for Lincoln City, North East Lincolnshire and the two PCCs were due to take place on May 7, 2020, but were cancelled amid the first national lockdown. District and county council sources in Lincolnshire have said they continue to plan for May elections and would be guided by government. South Kesteven District Council staged its main elections in 2019. However, a few unfilled vacancies, particularly at parish level, means some by-elections are scheduled for May 6, according to the SKDC website. The district council further said on its website : "The elections will take place at a time when Covid-19 continues to present risks to public health. "Depending on the infection rate, measures taken to control the spread of the virus may change as we approach May. "This means we cannot currently answer all the questions you may have about how the election will be run. "However, we are working hard to help ensure you can stay safe when casting your vote next May." Responding to the speculation, Councillor Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council said: "Whilst we have been told nothing formally, personally I think delaying the election for a few months would be sensible. "With Covid-19 still being a determining factor, it will be challenging for councils to safely run polling stations and counts, which do require physical interactions with the collection and monitoring of votes. "Apparently, the Royal Mail are saying making the election all postal is not deliverable at such short notice. It makes sense that in the warmer summer months, when COVID will hopefully be more under control, we can hold the elections safely and successfully." Grantham-based county and district councillor Ray Wootten told Nub News it "made sense" to delay if elections could not safely be held in May, suggesting they could be held in October this year or maybe the following May. Coun Wootten said they should only be held this coming May if "they are carried out in a safe manner and coronavirus rates are under control." Reports in national papers suggest the elections could be moved to October. Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones tweeted: "The safety of the public must come first, so delay if must but PCC elections are already a year late." However, he added that "billions of taxpayers" pounds was spent by councillors and his own role and that "they need a mandate". He dismissed a proposal to shorten the PCC term from its original four year length and argued the second preference system of voting "needs sorting" in a bid to tackle spoilt ballots and increased costs. Vote counts for PCC / Cllrs can't even be at same time. 2011 referendum supported first past post but to appease coalition partners PCC elections in 2012 used second preference system leading to vast amount spoilt ballots and increased costs. Needs sorting BEFORE next election. https://t.co/GiawKVPQPx

— Marc Jones PCC (@MarcJonesLincs) January 10, 2021

The County Councils Network has previously urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to decide "as soon as possible".

Mr Johnson said the May date would be kept under review.

Conservative MP Steve Brine told the BBC on Monday that he had been talking to the party's central office and "cannot see how you could do that".