A ROW has broken out over comments made about a town's new skatepark in an election leaflet delivered to hundreds of homes.

A ROW has broken out over comments made about a town's new skatepark in an election leaflet delivered to hundreds of homes.

Conservative county council election candidate Graham Newman is furious that the leaflet distributed by the Liberal Democrats suggests that he supported the construction of the skateboard and BMX facility at Orwell Green in Felixstowe.

He has been against the project on the open space off Grange Farm Avenue from the start and has taken legal advice over the leaflet, and is seeking its withdrawal and an apology.

Mr Newman said in a latter to Lib Dem agent Lee Reeves: “I would like to make it clear that I have never ever supported the placement of the park in that position.

“Both councillor Ann Rodwell, when she was alive, and I have consistently campaigned for the installation to be placed on the seafront.”

He described the comments in the leaflet as a slur and said he was seeking an apology.

Mike Ninnmey , a candidate for Liberal Democrats, said the leaflet had been reprinted with removal of references to Mr Newman.

He said the original newsletter had been published to reflect the view that Conservative councillors supported the skatepark on a site with no toilets and surrounded by homes, a church, pub and sheltered homes complex.

However, it was now accepted that Mr Newman did not follow the party line and was against the site for the facility, which is currently being built.

Louise Boyt, chairman of the Orwell Green Residents' Association, said: “Graham Newman has been very supportive of residents on this issue and very active in checking with us every day the start time of the contractors and other matters.”

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