A campaigner today claimed he was hit in the face with an election board during a heated row with senior Tory Roger Weaver in the early hours of the morning.

Chris Ford put up 60 signs in front gardens across Southend reading "Don't Vote Conservative. Save Priory Park. Don't vote Weaver".

Sign - Chris Ford makes a point Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

He says he saw Mr Weaver and his wife Verina in Prince Avenue, Southend, at 1am yesterday, prompting an argument over a sign.

Mr Ford says he was struck by the board, suffering a cut nose and lip. Mr Weaver, who retained his seat in Eastwood park with a convincing 237-vote majority, vigorously denies any wrongdoing. Police are investigating the incident.

Mr Ford, a member of the Priory Park Preservation Society committee, said: "I caught Roger Weaver sticking his stickers on top of my stickers.

"He and his wife were in cahoots together.

"A very long verbal exchange took place between us and he tried to take the board away because it was evidence as his stickers and his fingerprints were on it."

Mr Weaver, who is set to become deputy mayor next week, said: "I have reported an incident to the appropriate authorities and I deny any such allegations by Mr Ford."

In his election speech at Southend Civic Centre last night, Mr Weaver said he had been the victim of a slur campaign during the lead-up to the elections.

He said: "There have been those who have used this election to get at me. These people are a disgrace. They are non-candidates who have played no official part in the campaign. If they felt so passionate then they should have put their names forward."

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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