Parish councillors made to take conduct training
GoogleFour parish councillors have been ordered to take conduct training over allegations of bullying, assault and unlawful use of public funds.
The members of Romaldkirk Parish Council in County Durham were accused of being disrespectful to others, spreading misinformation, and making false statements about council funds.
The complaints against councillors Jackie Barningham, Gill Carter, Lesley Cutting and Derek Nixon were upheld by Durham County Council's standards committee hearing panel.
Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Ivan Carter-Becker denied bullying had taken place and criticised the county council report for lacking detailed information.
"The report put forward is not fair, reasoned, or justified and it should never have been put forward," he said.
"When looking at the actual evidence it's clear the councillors acted the best way they could. The allegations are not correct."
He said investigating officer Rachel Antonelli's report did not include details of what the councillors were accused of having done, making it impossible for them to respond.
Mr Carter-Becker also denied the councillor's actions equated to intimidating behaviour and said they were allowed to disagree on issues.
'Tense' atmosphere
Romaldkirk resident Claire Phillips spoke at the hearing as a witness and said some members of the public showed "inappropriate and unpleasant hostility" towards the councillors.
She said the atmosphere was tense in the meeting but defended the councillors, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"In the years that I have been attending Romaldkirk Parish Council meetings, I have never witnessed bullying, dismissive or inappropriate behaviour from councillors Cutting, Carter, Nixon and Barningham," she said.
However, the Standards Committee Hearing Panel agreed with the investigating officer's findings.
A censure letter, detailing the findings and outcome of the investigation, will be published at a later date.