Two councillors today vowed to take a Canvey businessman to court after thousands of leaflets were posted around Castle Point which they claim make potentially libellous comments.
George Wilson and borough mayor Charles Smith, who both represent Cedar Hall ward, have been locked in talks with their solicitors since the weekend, when the pamphlets first came to light, just days before tomorrow's local election.
Millionaire Terry Holding has admitted posting the leaflets and flying a banner from his plane but he denies dropping leaflets from the aircraft.
Mr Wilson said: "Mayor Charles Smith and I have spoken to our solicitors and we will both be taking legal action.
"Both our solicitors are going through the literature delivered and action will be taken in the near future."
Mr Holding said: "I will be delighted to see Mr Wilson and Mr Smith in court."
The six candidates battling for the three Cedar Hall seats are: Peter Michael Burch (Con), Jenifer Anne Howlett (Lab), Norman Edward Ladzrie (Con), Charles Stephen Smith (Lab), Norman George Smith (Con) and George Robert Wilson (Lab).
The Green Party has four candidates standing for seats. Douglas Copping, Chris Keene, Clifford Hughes and Lilian Willis have all put themselves forward to represent the people of Benfleet, Hadleigh and Canvey.
Independent candidate Norman Garnet and Robert Chapman, representing the Socialist Alliance Against The War, are also contesting seats.
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003
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