A COMMUNITY group which is putting forward candidates to stand in Horwich for Thursday’s elections has reported the local Labour party to police for allegedly using “misleading” language on leaflets.

The Horwich First group was angry after a Labour leaflet used the phrase “Horwich First” four times.

Police said no crime had been committed.

Horwich First is not registered as a political party, but group members Marie Brady and Steven Chadwick are standing as independent candidates in the local council and town council elections.

Ms Brady, who is standing in the Horwich North East ward, said: “We complained about the leaflet to the police and the electoral commission and although the police said it was not an offence — it was agreed that it could be misleading.

“I was contacted by people who were asking why the Labour leaflet kept saying Horwich First — which is the name of our group.

"The fact that it is mentioned four times and in capitals makes me think it has been done deliberately and seems a bit underhand to me.”

Ms Brady said she thinks Labour may worried by the positive reaction the independent candidates have been getting in the town.

The leaflet backs Labour candidate Joyce Kellett to be re-elected as a councillor for Horwich North East and she said she saw no problem with the publication.

She added: “I have lived in Horwich since the 1970s and I have always wanted to put Horwich first — it is a fantastic place to live.

“The fact is Horwich First is not a registered political party so there can be no legal issue with it.”

The Labour group said it had delivered all the leaflets it had planned to and had no intention of delivering any more, regardless of the complaint.

Party leader in Horwich Cllr Kevin McKeon said: “I explained to the police that to say you are putting an area first is a very common political phrase and it has nothing to do with that group.

“I think the Horwich voters are sophisticated enough to recognise the difference between a Labour leaflet and an independent leaflet.”