'Fake' callers were hired by council; POLITICS.

Byline: STEPHEN WHITE

A COUNCIL warned residents to beware of bogus canvassers making cold calls -when it had actually hired them.

Burnley town hall chiefs warned residents to be "vigilant" and said that researchers were conducting a fake survey to gain information on people's circumstances.

But the following day they had to own up that the private survey team was legitimate. The canvassing has now been suspended during an investigation into the mix-up.

Cllr Julie Cooper, leader of the opposition Labour group, said: "Things like this mustn't happen. It's embarrassing."

Lib Dem leader of the council Gordon Birtwistle said: "There has been a bit of a communication breakdown. I will be finding out what has happened and how this has happened and will make sure we improve."

CAPTION(S):

LABOUR Cllr Julie Cooper