A COUNCILLOR who has been plagued by a campaign of hate mail has called in the police to investigate but said it will not 'grind her down.'

Margaret McManus, Conservative representative for Tulketh, has received several 'poison pen' letters posted to her home address in St Walburge's Gardens, Ashton, over the last few weeks.

Mrs McManus, a widow who lives on her own, contacted police on Tuesday after receiving the fourth letter that morning.

The hate mail has included 'political' messages and cuttings from newspapers.

Mrs McManus said: "It has made me feel quite vulnerable. My husband died a few months ago and this has really been quite unbearable.

"I'm not pointing the finger at anyone, but this will be investigated. Anyone who uses such bullying tactics will not grind me down."

Mrs McManus, a Tulketh Ward councillor for three years, said that the first postmarked letter criticised her political stance.

The grandmother-of-eight thought the letter was 'silly' and tore it up.

But the mail continued, and one letter in particular upset the former foster parent.

"I can't believe they are playing such childish games," she said. "In all my years as a councillor I have never received anything like this and I'm appalled."

Police are now forensically examining the letters. Inspector Dave Aston of Lea Police said: "We are waiting for the results of those tests which could take a number of weeks. We will then proceed with investigations."

The tactics have also angered political leaders.

Leader of Preston Conservatives, Ken Hudson said: "Obviously elections are sinking to a very low ebb when vulnerable women councillors, who live on their own are being bombarded with this kind of material."

Ian Hall, council leader, said: "I officially deplore that kind of action against anybody, and hope the police find the culprit."