AN independent Green candidate is bidding to woo voters in Pendle Council elections by claiming his home is in Colne- although his mother says he lives in Sheffield!

Peter Hartley, who is standing in Vivary Bridge ward, Colne, in next month's local elections claimed his home address was in Birtwistle Avenue, Colne, on his nomination paper, returned to election staff at Nelson Town Hall.

But his mother, Ethel Hartley, who lives at the address, said her son had lived in Sheffield since attending university there 30 years ago. Mr Hartley, who is in his 50s, is an unemployed teacher.

On his nomination form he claimed he was entitled to stand as a candidate because he fulfilled the criteria that in the 12 months previous to his nomination he had occupied the house in Birtwistle Avenue as either an owner or tenant.

Mrs Hartley said: "He was brought up in Colne and went to Sheffield University and has stayed there ever since."

She argued: "This is still his home even though he doesn't live here. He comes home regularly to see how I am."

The Liberal Democrats, who are fighting to retain the seat left vacant by the resignation of Councillor Doreen Gwynne, pointed out to election staff that Mr Hartley's name does not appear on the electoral roll at the address he has given.

The deadline for Mr Hartley to withdraw his nomination expired at noon on Tuesday April 13.

Philip Mousdale, the council solicitor, said: "The nomination was in order and accepted on face value. The remedy for anyone who feels there was something untoward is to contest the election afterwards."

Vivary Bridge is the only seat among 17 up for grabs that features a break from the traditional three-way battle between the big parties. The other candidates fighting for the seat are John Beck (LibDem), Julie Hunting (Lab) and Geoffrey Riley (Con).

Mr Hartley was not available for comment.

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