AN "offensive" sign has been spotted amid election campaigning in St Clements. 

Election candidates standing in the upcoming Worcester city council elections were upset with a message posted in the window of a St Clements property. 

Conservative candidates for St Clements, Bertie Ballinger and Sebastian James both expressed disappointment with the sign, referring it to the West Mercia Police's Safer Neighbourhood team. 

The sign reads "Stop posting Tory filth through our letterbox, back off scum."

Mr James said: "I was extremely saddened to see the sign in question.

"All candidates get into politics to better their community, and this sort of incident can knock the confidence out of people.

"Bertie and I both campaign for safer neighbourhoods and this sort of behaviour could potentially intimidate our community.

The sign has since been removed, with the safer neighbourhood team acknowledging to Mr Ballinger that it does constitute a Public Order Offence. 

Mr Ballinger said: "I first became aware of the sign on Monday (April 1), neighbours came and knocked on my door saying, have you seen the sign?

"The neighbours said they felt really offended and so did I, because it was unnecessarily rude. 

"They could have just said no leaflets and no calling cards, it's not very nice to me, to be called filth and scum. 

Worcester City Council met only last month to discuss issues relating to threats towards councillors and candidates. 

Mr Ballinger continued: "Verbal abuse towards councillors and candidates is a national issue, trying to make democracy safe and inclusive. 

"I'm quite stiff and being a Tory candidate I'm somewhat used to it, but I think it would put most people off.

"It affects not just myself and conservative candidates, but everyone who wants to get into politics."

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "The sign was reported Tuesday (April 2) afternoon and an officer will visit the property to offer suitable advice to the occupant."

Worcester City Council elections will happen on May 2.