AN election candidate has accused ‘left-wing’ activists of a campaign of intimidation and vandalism.

It follows two large campaign posters being removed from a building housing a major national retail store.

Pendle Conservative Andrew Stephenson made the allegation after the owner of the premises used by Farmfoods in Market Street, Colne, took down two banners featuring his photograph permanently.

The move followed representations to the discount chain by local Liberal Democrats and complaints on social media.

Earlier this week two prominent posters for Mr Stephenson’s campaign in Albert Street, Colne, were taken down temporarily after being defaced.

Mr Stephenson said: “We had permission from the owner of the premises to put up the banners, as we did in 2015.

“Now he has been intimidated into asking us to take them down.

“This is part of a sustained campaign of bullying and vandalism by left-wing activists in the constituency which has seen many of my posters damaged, defaced or ripped down.

“If they cannot reach the posters, they intimidate property owners into removing them.

“It’s the worst I have seen in 20 years of political campaigning. Welcome to Jeremy Corbyn’s world of gentler politics.”

Waterside Lib Dem councillor Dorothy Lord, who raised the issue with Farmfoods, said: “I was surprised to see Andrew’s posters on the front wall of a major national retailers.

“There were was concern on social media and we contacted the Farmfoods.

“The problem was where this banner was on a national retail chain’s wall. We have no problems with posters elsewhere.

“Any campaign of intimidation and vandalism is not us.”

Cllr Wayne Blackburn, Labour candidate, said: “I am aware of the issue on social media but have had no involvement and have no comment.

“I and my supporters would not take part in any campaign of intimidation or vandalism. Indeed I condemn it.

“Putting up posters is an important part of an election campaign and they should not be damaged or defaced.”

A Farmfoods spokeswoman declined to comment.