TWO election banners in Dursley have been slashed and vandalised, ahead of the local election.

The political signs were placed outside the home of Labour candidate Bob Hughes in the Woodmancote area and attacked on Sunday evening, April 28. 

Both banners were ripped in various places and the swear word w*****s inscribed.

It is believed the flags were slashed with a knife.

Mr Hughes who is currently running as a candidate to represent Dursley at Stroud District Council said the incident was “worrying” and “scary”. 

The vandalism has been reported to Gloucestershire Police.

It comes as the local elections are taking place on Thursday, May 2.

Mr Hughes - whose wife Helen is also running as a Labour candidate - said: “We were very proud to be able to display banners showing our allegiance.
 
“Unfortunately, both banners were defaced and slashed with a sharp implement, probably a knife. 
 
“I appreciate that passions get aroused at elections, and that other parties have had posters damaged. 
 
“I am though especially concerned at the idea of people wandering around Dursley with knives.”

Gazette Series: Labour election flags in Dursley slashed and vandalised

Gazette Series: Labour district councillor candidate Bob Hughes out leafleting in DursleyLabour district councillor candidate Bob Hughes out leafleting in Dursley (Image: Handout)

"Mindless vandalism"

He added: “It is a sad state of affairs.
 
“I have run before, many times, including for parliament twice and have never encountered this before.
 
“It's worrying, as we live somewhere you don’t just walk past, so it seems to have been planned. 

“It's scary to think of someone with a knife planning vandalism.”

Dursley GP and Labour MP hopeful Dr Simon Opher said: "It's disappointing to see this kind of mindless vandalism on our streets.

"Particularly in a usually very peaceful part of the district. 

"I don't want to jump to any conclusions about the perpetrators; the police have been informed and we should let them conduct their investigations without unhelpful speculation." 

A spokesperson from Gloucestershire Police said: "Officers have received a report of criminal damage to two banners being displayed outside a property in Woodmancote.

"It was reported that the banners had been damaged overnight between Sunday, April 28 and Monday, April 29. 

"Enquiries are currently taking place."

Anyone with information should contact police quoting incident number 260 of April 29 here - tinyurl.com/4y6mj58t

Residents in the Dursley ward will head to the polls to decide which three councillor candidates they would like to represent them at SDC. 

The responsibilities of the district council include planning and building control, rubbish collection and recycling, housing, leisure and recreation facilities, environmental health and licensing, economic development and tourism and parking.

Other Dursley candidates include Ann Blacklock (Liberal Democrats), James Broady (Green), Helen Caton Hughes (Labour) Terry Cook (Labour), Lucia Jayaseelan (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition), Tom Jayaseelan (Green), Lorraine Patrick (Conservative), Matt Patrick (Conservative), Danae Savvidou (Green) and Carwyn Williams (Conservative).

Gazette Series: Voters will head to the polls on Thursday to elect their representatives on Stroud District Council Voters will head to the polls on Thursday to elect their representatives on Stroud District Council (Image: Other)