A PARTY leader has hit out at "untrue" accusations made online amid a row over election posters being removed. 

The team representing Lib Dem Stanway candidate Lesley Scott-Boutell in the upcoming Essex County Council elections say all their posters and banners were taken down.

A supporter saw an Essex Highways operative remove a banner from outside her home.

The team has reported the matter to the police.

Read more >>> Election posters wrongfully removed from private property by council workers

Now the Conservative party has refuted allegations it says were made on social media about the incident. 

Paul Dundas, Conservative group leader on Colchester Council, said: “We have been made aware various election boards and banners have been removed by various statutory bodies in Stanway.

“On social media there have been some accusations that Conservatives or activists did this.

“We would like to state categorically that this is untrue, without any foundation or evidence.”

Mr Dundas said two Conservative signs had also been removed.

An Essex County Council spokesman said it does not permit “unauthorised” posters to be placed on the highway by law.

He added: “The Highway Authority received several requests for the removal of unauthorised signing from the Stanway area.

“In addressing these requests, we have become aware Essex Highways staff also removed a number of signs from private boundary fences.

“Staff removed these posters due to concerns they were in locations which could cause a distraction to drivers.

While staff were acting with the best of intentions, these posters should not have been removed and we apologise.”

The council said it would arrange the return of the removed items.

  • Also standing for election in the ward are Kevin Bentley (Con), Mike Lilley (Lab) and John McArthur (Green).