AN alleged dirty tricks campaign ahead of today's election result could see two bitter political rivals end up face-to-face in court.

Independent councillor Ashley Goodall has instructed solicitors to instigate libel proceedings against Conservative Roger Huxstep over hundreds of "defamatory" campaign leaflets claiming that Independent councillors have a pact with Liberal Democrats.

But Mr Huxstep has hit back claiming that a senior Lib Dem source revealed to him that the two parties have entered into a secret agreement.

He says that the Lib Dem party, which is in control of Winchester City Council by just one seat, fears losing power and has done a deal with the Independents.

The row centres on the quiet rural ward of Shedfield, that takes in Shirrell Heath and Waltham Chase, where the controversial leaflets have been hand-delivered.

The winner of the ward was due to be announced at about midday today.

Councillor Goodall said: "He has resorted to a dirty tricks campaign. As far as I am concerned, and my legal advice is concerned, the statement is defamatory.

"I do not have and never had had a pact with the Liberal Democrat party, to say I have is a complete lie."

But Mr Huxstep retorted: "Just to make it absolutely clear a senior Liberal Democrat has told us about this agreement."

"There is nothing libellous about the leaflet and I am happy to stand by every word of it."