A LEAFLET distributed in Rossendale by a councillor has been branded as “disgraceful”.

Coun Peter Steen’s election campaign has come into contention as county councillors blasted the Bacup man for using scaremongering techniques.

A leaflet was distributed in Whitworth and Bacup entitled, “Plan to tag pensioners like criminals” challenging the county council’s plans to introduce electronic devices for people with conditions like dementia.

County Coun Sean Serridge said: “Telling people that older people are going to be tagged like criminals just to get a few extra votes really is appalling.

“The worry that this has caused to people, several of whom have contacted me directly, is disgraceful.

“I am surprised that a long-serving councillor like Peter has chosen to take part in this sort of scaremongering.”

Coun Steen defended his stance against the proposal.

He said: “This was a proposal by the county council which we disagreed with and we voiced it.

“I wanted to let the people know what the county council were planning to do.

Cabinet member for adult and community services, Anne Brown, said: “These devices are a great relief to many people and their families, and gives them the confidence to stay in their own homes.

“They are only ever offered to people who want them, and mean many who would otherwise have to go into residential care can stay in their own home, with the support they need.”