73. (1) The local returning officer for a county or county borough shall appoint a time which shall not be later than 9 a.m. on the day next following the polling day, at which the officer will open the ballot boxes and verify the ballot paper accounts in accordance with this Part.

(2) The local returning officer shall appoint a place within or convenient to the county or county borough for which he or she is the local returning officer at which the said officer will open the ballot boxes pursuant to rule 75 and shall, at the place so appointed, provide suitable accommodation and all necessary furniture and equipment for the verification of ballot paper accounts under this Part and shall make adequate arrangements for the safe custody of the ballot papers and other documents relating to the European election. The local returning officer shall, where practicable, ensure that the appointed place is accessible to wheelchair users.