A campaigner has hit out at Enfield Conservatives over an image that was doctored to show him with a former Conservative MP as the “doggate” saga rumbles on.

Hal Haines, founder member of Better Streets for Enfield, said he had not agreed to appear in a photograph with David Burrowes, former Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, when he arrived to talk to residents about safety concerns at the Meadway-Greenway junction in Southgate on March 31.

So he was surprised and “cross” when he found that Mr Burrowes had been added to a photograph in which he appeared illustrating an article about a “dangerous” road junction.

Allegations the Tories had doctored the original image were made when eagle-eyed Enfield Independent readers spotted Mr Burrowes’ dog appeared to be floating – leading one Twitter user to brand it “doggate”.

The Conservatives have sent the Enfield Independent further photos of Mr Burrowes and his dog as proof that he attended the meeting as a local resident following claims he was not there on the day.

But Mr Haines (on the far right in the photographs) said that when Mr Burrowes and his dog arrived, he and another person who was present walked away from the group.

He said: “I think what the Tories are doing is a bit rotten. I was not in that photo, so how has that happened?

“I am cross, because I am a member of Better Streets for Enfield – not a political party. I did not want to appear with a recognised Conservative.

“To admit it and apologise would have been fine, but they are digging their heels in."

Mr Haines said that as a member of Better Streets for Enfield he was sent a Facebook request to talk to residents about quieter neighbourhoods and traffic on the road.

“I said I would come but would not be in a photo for publicity for the Conservatives,” he continued.

“They were taking photographs with all the Tory banners – I was not part of that. Then they took photos with just the residents and I reluctantly joined in.

“Then David Burrowes turned up. He is against everything I stand for. We walked off, and as far as I know they took more photos.

“They wanted David Burrowes in as big a shot as possible. It might seem like a small thing, but for me it is a big thing. I am campaigning against them [the Conservatives].

“I specifically said I do not want to appear in Conservative literature.

“We want to engage with residents. That is why I turned up – to engage with residents, not to be with the Conservative Party.

“I don’t even believe the Tories are interested in improving traffic problems at that junction. The only reason they were there is to make a political point against the Labour council.

“I do support what the Labour administration is doing on transport.”

James Newhall, from Enfield Southgate Conservatives Association, said: “As you can see both David and Chomley Burrowes were at the junction for the photo. This junction is incredibly dangerous in Southgate and the Conservatives are determined to make it safer for the residents.

“We are disappointed that Labour are trying to politicise this and divert attention away from a very worthwhile cause.”