A LEADING local councillor has slammed a new council produced newsletter as the epitomy of "gloss, froth and spin".

Officials at Blackpool Council claim the eight-page, tabloid called 'Your Blackpool' has been designed to keep residents up-to-date with developments in the public sector.

It has been launched with the support of the Blackpool Primary Care Trust, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire & Rescue and the Blackpool Community Safety Partnership. But local Conservative leader, Councillor Peter Callow of Norbreck ward, claims it's being used as propaganda for the upcoming local elections in May.

Cllr Callow said: "Gloss, froth and spin are the hallmark of this council and Your Blackpool epitomises this. Council tax payers have forked out £48,000 for this newsletter and its sister production, an A-Z Guide of council services.

"But all the council are doing is taking important information about council facts and services and using it as propaganda for the forthcoming local elections in May."

But chief executive, Steve Weaver, claims the newsletter is an important tool in the bid to improve communication between the authority and taxpayers.

Mr Weaver said: "The council is consistently advised by inspections, such as the Comprehensive Performance Assessment, of the importance of communication with residents."

Copies of Your Blackpool are currently being hand-delivered to addresses in and around Blackpool.