Strongsupport has been shown for three Castle Point councillors who were the subject of a controversial leaflet that was delivered to residents in the ward they are standing for in Thursday's local elections.

Millionaire Canvey businessman Terry Holding distributed up to 4,000 leaflets to people living in the Cedar Hall area at the weekend.

The leaflets made allegations against Castle Point mayor Charles Smith, Cedar Hill councillor George Wilson and St Peter's councillor Jenifer Howlett - all of whom are members of the Labour party.

Last night at thefinal full Castle Point Council meeting before the local elections, councillors from both the Labour and Conservative partiesunanimously backedtheir colleagues.

At the start of the meeting councillor Brian Wilson (St Mary's, Lab) read out a statement on the matter.

He said: "For the record, Mrs Howlett vehemently denies the allegations contained in the leaflet circulated by Terry Holding over the weekend which accuse her among other things of being guilty of theft.

"The High Court action mentioned by Mr Holding is in fact a reference to libel proceedings which Mrs Howlett herself has brought in relation to these allegations and which are due to come to trial in October."

He added that both Mr Smith and Mr Wilson also strongly denied the accusations made against them and are seeking legal advice.

Councillor Roy English (St George's, Lab) urged the residents of Cedar Hall to join the council in condemning the way "this garbage" had been spread.

Councillor Pam Challis (St Peter's, Con), speaking on behalf of the Conservative members, also criticised the leaflets being distributed.

To show their support, councillors broke out in a spontaneous round of applause after Mr Wilson finished reading out his statement.

Published Tuesday, April 29, 2003

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