LABOUR'S General Election campaign came up against red tape this week when officials were told they were banned from using a folding table in Bromsgrove High Street when handing out leaflets.

Labour candidate Peter McDonald's agent, Sean Shannon, received a letter from Bromsgrove District Council pointing out the authority did not allow the use of its land for party political purposes and condemned the party for breaching the code on a recent Saturday.

Mr Shannon, a former councillor, said he was not aware permission had to be given but immediately applied to use High Street on the next three Saturdays.

He also accused the Tory-controlled council of double standards

"At the last local elections we and the Tories had stalls virtually back to back and nothing was said then," he added.

He went on to say in a leaflet currently being handed out by Conservative candidate Julie Kirkbride she is clearly pictured on a stall in High Street.

"Labour wishes to see fair treatment for all parties in this election," he added.

Miss Kirkbride said: "It has always been the case that political parties are not allowed to put up stalls in High Street, but are allowed to hand out leaflets.

"People will notice in my introductory leaflet for this election I'm pictured handing out leaflets in High Street in support of farmers."

Council boss Bob Lewis said: "No consent was given to anybody to put up tables in High Street."