THE Labour Party have been accused "fanning the fires of racism" and playing into the hands of the British National Party over an election leaflet which attacks four Asian Liberal/Democrat councillors on their record.
The leaflet accuses the four councillors of either breaking the law or failing to turn up for key decision making meetings.
The leaflet has pictures of the councillors with the words: "The arrogant LibDems show little respect for local people when they choose people to be councillors. They ask residents to vote for quite dubious characters."
Labour have denied their approach is racists insisting they are drawing voters attentions to the bad record of the councillors.
Said Lib/Dem councillor John Archer: "Labour's racists local election campaign is shallow and hypocritical. Since 2001 the three main parties in the borough have worked together to beat the BNP. "
He added: "I am shocked and saddened that Labour should have behaved in this way, It will be difficult to work with Labour colleagues after the election whoever is running the council."
But Labour councillor, and former Oldham Mayor, Riaz Ahmed, hit back at the racist accusation.
He said: "The fact that in response to our leaflet the Lib/Dems fail to condemn unacceptable behaviour by their candidates and councillors speaks volumes.
"Lib/Dems hate voters facing the truth about the dubious activities of Lib/Dem candidates of all backgrounds - not just British Asians.
"It doesn't matter how low the Lib/Dems stoop, they will not stop Labour in Oldham exposing their failures and arrogance, irrespective of their background."