A total of 86 new members of Cheetham Labour Party were suspended this month, Asian Image has learned.

And they have been told a full investigation by the Manchester Blackley Constituency Labour Party is taking place regarding possible membership abuse.

It is also alleged that a third of the new members who applied to join the Labour Party after October 1 were not on the electoral register.

A separate complaint has been made regarding the eligibility of exisiting branch members who claim residence within the wards boundaries.

The members were sent a letter dated January 3 notifying them of their suspensions.

This comes only months before the local elections of May 2006 and campaigning in the ward has already begun.

Some suspended members have voiced their concerns at the suspensions.

One man who did not want to be named said, It is surprising that at a time when members of the Muslim community are being asked to join up and become part of the political process this is what happens.

I wanted to become active in the community.

I am on the electoral register and a resident of the ward. So why was I suspended?

Andy Smith, a North West regional organiser for the Labour party said, There was significant increase in membership within a very short period of time. And this is a standard action taken by the party.

We encourage new membership and we want to complete this inquiry as quickly as possible.

He said the Cheetham Ward had seen the biggest increase in membership in any ward in the region between October 1 and late December.

Afzal Khan, a ward councillor in the Cheetham Ward was not available for comment as he presently abroad in connection with his duties as Manc hesters mayor.

Martin Pagel a Cheetham ward councillor was also unvailable for comment.