POLICE are investigating a claim that campaign leaflets distributed by Labour candidates in Blaina contain "untruths" about former council leader Des Hillman.

The sitting independent councillor for Blaina says information endorsed by Labour candidates Lisa Winnett, Nicola James and Bob Pagett, stating he was sacked as council leader is false because he resigned.

He also says that claims on the same leaflet saying a Welsh Audit Office investigation found a senior manager was paid a six-figure redundancy package based on false information given by him is wrong, because, he says, the report found the decision to award the payment was lawful. Cllr Hillman claims the comments along with the headline "Des(aster)" are damaging to his reputation and this was the latest attempt to turn voters against him.

He said: "They are trying to damage my name. It's libellous. If what they have written is a lie, it is illegal. I am disgusted with them that they have stooped this low."

Cllr Steve Thomas, deputy leader of the Labour party in Blaenau Gwent, who printed the leaflets, denied Mr Hillman's claims that the information was false.

He said the party stood by what it had printed because it was a matter of public record, and they were complying with police enquiries.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police confirmed officers were making enquiries into an allegation that a false statement of fact had been made relating to a candidate in the Blaina area.

Tory signs targeted again

Tory party signs which were put back up in Caerleon after vandals cut them down last week have been targeted for a second time.

Edward Saville, who is standing as a conservative candidate in the ward, confirmed the signs, which were re-erected earlier this week, were pulled down again on Tuesday night.

As previously reported, the two 6ft by 4ft signs, costing £120 each, were removed from their posts and discarded in a field near Caerleon bridge last Thursday. The matter has again been reported to police.