A parish council has denied producing an inflammatory leaflet warning a social housing development in the Gravesend area would lead to a rise in gangs and knife crime.

The document claimed a planning application had been submitted to build 60 flats in Valley Drive that would impact on Riverview Park and Singlewell.

The leaflet said: "Please object now if you do not:

"Want social housing on your doorstep.

"Want a rise in crime - as residents will be re-housed from London and surrounding suburbs bringing with them gangs and knife crime.

"Want unsavoury characters walking past your homes and into your neighbourhood and schools.

"Risk a devaluation of your property as average house prices in the postcode will decrease to accommodate the flats into the pricing brand.

"The flats will back in to Clay Woods meaning anyone can walk through the woods and into your back gardens.

"Social housing traditionally attracts drugs and other illegal activities, 60 flats means at least 180 residents/visitors and 200+ cars all turning in and out of Valley Drive opposite the lorry park.

"Please act now!"

Shorne Parish Council chairman Bob Lane said the leaflet had "caused a great deal of distress and anger on Twitter and other channels".

"We would like to make it absolutely clear that the leaflet is nothing to do with us, and we disassociate ourselves entirely from its contents," he told KentOnline.

"The author and distributor should be aware that they have rendered themselves liable for legal action.

"If anyone has any information relating to this, they should notify the parish council."