LOCAL election campaign leaflets which have a photograph of Leigh Spinners Mill on them have been met with disapproval.

Leigh South Conservative Party candidate Connor Short had a picture taken of himself at the Park Lane site before putting it on leaflets which have been posted through residents' doors ahead of the election date of Thursday, May 3.

After hearing about the leaflets, the Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT), which is running the restoration project at the mill, was quick to dismiss any political ties.

Chair of LBPT Peter Rawlinson said: “While we have no objections and actively encourage photography within the mill, we were not asked if this photo could be used in this way and it had no endorsement from the trust.

“Photos of politicians in the mill have been used in the past but on each occasion it has been as a result of a formal request and the product of a grant from Wigan Council or through local Councillors.

“It is therefore disappointing to discover the mill has been used for political purposes without our knowledge or consent.

"It is implying the trust is supporting one candidate over another which is not the case and we do not want the wrong impressions to be given out."

In response to Peter's comments, Connor Short, who is challenging to beat Labour Party Cllr Charles Rigby in his ward battle, insisted he did not wish to cause any offence with his leaflets.

He said:”I regret any upset caused to Leigh Spinners Mill in the taking of a photograph subsequently used on a calling card.

“I am pleased that there is an open policy to all parties for the taking and using photographs and will of course make the necessary contact with all concerned in future.

"I am grateful that this has been brought to my attention.

“I would like to stress that there is no mention of Leigh Spinners in any political context or otherwise and it would never be my intention to cause any offence.”

Work is ongoing at Leigh Spinners Mill with work on the roof set to be completed in September and the fitting of a lift due to start on Thursday.

The trust has also announced it is teaming up with community group Green Crew, which provide activities for adults with learning difficulties, to tidy up the car park.

It is also working with Targeted Solutions to carry out painting on the inside of the mill.

Peter added: "There is a hive of activity at the mill at the moment and it is great to see."