Communications team refutes allegation of political bias

The Council communications team has admitted an error that had seen them accused of "political bias".

In a news story that was sent out to the media and placed on the Council website, 'Heywood’s crime and grime blitz coming soon', a quote was included from the Heywood Lib Dem councillor who is up for election this May, instead of, more properly, the Township Chairman. The quote has now been removed from the council’s website.

Critics said: "If the RMBC website is funded by tax-payers' money, it should not be used to jumpstart the election campaigns of local Liberal Democrats. That is an abuse of council-tax payers' money."

Kate Lindley, the council’s Head of Customer Access, said: "This was a genuine error. There was no deliberate bias intended.

"I have personally apologised to the township chair, who has accepted my apology.

"Staff have been reminded of the necessity only to quote councillors in their executive capacities and the dangers of quoting ward councillors like this.

"The Chief Executive has also been made aware of this and I met with him yesterday to discuss a refresh of the council’s media protocol. This will be sent out to the three party leaders for comment shortly."