A COUNCILLOR has slammed a 'pathetic' political stunt carried out in his island ward.

A placard fixed to a bench at Biggar Bank on Walney Island was spotted on Wednesday, April 27.

The message on the sign read 'unsafe Labour seat' in an apparent double jab at Council investment on the coastline and the local elections next week.

But a South Walney councillor has called it unfair, claiming that Labour has worked hard to improve Biggar Bank.

He pointed to the recent resurfacing works taking place on the footpath, and measures taken to improve pedestrian safety through speeding control.

South Walney Labour councillor Frank Cassidy said: “Along with island residents I have worked fairly hard to bring about measurable improvements to Biggar Bank.

“These have included successfully arguing for £60k of government funding to be spent on resurfacing the Biggar Bank path. We have also worked to have speed cushions and other traffic calming measures installed on Biggar Bank Road.

A couple of other signs were present on the bank, including one which read 'Labour sea defence - paten pending' on a wooden bulwark near the children's play area and another 'unsafe Labour seat'.

Cllr Cassidy continued: “So it is a bit disappointing to find out that someone has made these remarks on a couple of benches – which have now been removed.

“Labour is being very well received on Walney doorsteps during this election campaign. People are interested in how the new council can improve public services.

“Many residents are really struggling because of the cost of living crisis and they are completely fed-up with Boris Johnson and his gang.”

And this is all ahead of the local elections, which take place next Thursday.

The whole of the newly created Westmorland and Furness Council will be up for grabs and close contests are expected across the region.