WITH one week to go the battle for Halesowen and Rowley Regis is closer than ever with pollsters and bookies saying it is too close to call between Labour's Stephanie Peacock and Conservative candidate James Morris.

As nerves become frayed an ugly political spat has erupted between the two camps over Mr Morris' campaign literature and his record as MP for the last five years.

Belle Vale Labour councillors Donella Russell and Ian Cooper accused Mr Morris of taking credit for their work in getting new streetlights in the ward.

Cllr Cooper said: "I am disappointed that Mr Morris has chosen to stretch the truth of his involvement in community issues yet again. It is predictable that he would do this, as he says one thing in his constituency and another when he's voting against the interests of the community in Westminster. "

He added: "Cllr Donella Russell and myself were surprised when we read that his intervention 'resulted' in the installation of modern street lighting in Carol Crescent, especially as it was Donella and I who contacted the council and asked them to prioritise their installation because of crime issues.

"I have the emails with council officers to prove this. It is a pity he has again appropriated the work of others."

Halesowen resident Ann West wrote to the News to complain about Mr Morris' leaflets.

She said: "I am amazed at what lengths James Morris will go with the literature he is putting through people's doors.

"He is using the credit for items he has purported to have done when in fact they have been achieved by Labour Councillors or Stephanie Peacock the Labour candidate."

However, Mr Morris vehemently denied any wrong doing and accused Labour of negative campaigning.

He said: "While the Labour Party continue to try and score cheap political points with their negative campaign I will carry on focusing on securing a brighter future for Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

"The election here is going to be very close, and every vote will count."

He added: "The choice is very clear between my record as your local MP or the Labour Party propped up by the SNP."