AN investigation has been launched into claims that the stepson of an East Lancashire deputy mayor has received preferential treatment from council workers.

Leader of Hyndburn Council, Peter Britcliffe, launched the inquiry after receiving an anonymous letter claiming the stepson of Councillor Dave Parkins, the deputy mayor of the borough, had been the subject of preferential treatment by Hyndburn Council workers since he moved into a council house in Bolton Avenue, Huncoat.

Coun Parkins strenuously denies the allegation, made in an anonymous letter sent to Coun Britcliffe, the council's chief executive Mike Chambers, and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Coun Parkin's stepson, Simon Kenyon, also denies the claims, accusing the anonymous letter-writer of 'petty jealously.'

In the letter, the author claims that more than 20 council workers have worked at Mr Kenyon's home in Bolton Avenue over the past eight weeks.

On July 20, it claims, three workmen and two foremen worked at the house, carrying out chores in the garden.

It also claims many residents on the estate have not been able to get simple tasks done for years, whereas Mr Kenyon has had his problems sorted within days. The allegations have been strenuously denied by Coun Parkins, who will be mayor of the borough next year.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I have received a letter which says residents believe Coun Parkins' stepson is receiving preferential treatment when it comes to deploying council staff to his home.

"We take any such allegation seriously and it has been passed on to the chief executive, who will investigate to see if there is any truth in the claims. Coun Parkins, who also lives in Bolton Ave and serves the Huncoat ward, said: "I have spoken to the relevant departments at the council about this allegation, which is not true.

"As far as I am concerned, the case is now closed. I am just very disappointed that people have felt the need to be so spiteful.

Mr Kenyon was unavailable for comment today, but in a letter released to the media in response to the anonymous note, he says: "The workmen only came to cut down the trees that were untidy and overgrown.

"The request for this work was made before I took over the tenancy of the property.

"I have not, at any time, received special favours from the council as suggested. I have a relative who is a council member but he has done me no favours whatsoever regarding this house.

"Any other work undertaken on the house was done as the need arose, as it is not in the best of condition.

"I hope I can now be left to live my life without any more moaning, hassle or petty jelaousy. This matter has caused me great distress."