A COMPLAINT that a Stroud District Councillor "deliberately lied" to the council over the failed housing transfer vote will not be investigated by the independent body responsible for looking into allegations of misconduct.

Dursley ward member Cllr Hilary Fowles (Lab) was reported to the Standards Board for England by council leader Cllr John Stephenson-Oliver (Con, Painswick), Cllr Charles Fellows (Con, Chalford) and Cllr Dennis Andrewartha (Lib Dem, Cam West) over her alleged involvement in the Stand Together Action Group's successful opposition to the housing transfer.

The board has announced that the allegation does not justify a publicly funded investigation.

In its notification of decision the board stated: "In all the circumstances, it was considered that the alleged conduct (even if it were found to have occurred) is not of such significance of itself, to justify a publicly funded investigation by an ethical standards officer, and any consequent action. This is not to suggest that the board condones or approves of any such alleged conduct."

Cllr Fowles told the Gazette she was relieved by the decision and hopes it will draw a line under the incident.

She added: "Though I was never in any doubt of the result of the complaint, it is always uncomfortable to have something lime this hanging over you."

Cllr Fowles said she has been disappointed by the incident.

"This kind of personal attack just brings politicians into disrepute and increases cynicism amongst the public. It is unpleasant and unhelpful as well as ignoring the fact people elect councillors to provide services to them rather than to engage in political knockabouts."

Cllr Stephenson-Oliver stated that in his opinion the decision supports his earlier decision to set up a cross-party working group to look into matters of probity.

He stated: "This will allow us to fully understand the workings of the Standards Board as we are really feeling our way."

Cllr Stephenson-Oliver added he was not completely satisfied by the result.

"I do feel that the decision comments suggest the board is more concerned with the cost of the investigation rather than issues of probity," he added. "I believe this is wrong and am sure Cllr Fowles agrees that this is an unsatisfactory result."

Cllr Stephenson-Oliver added it would be business as usual for the council.

"A line as been drawn so let's get on with business," he said.

THE STANDARDS Board for England has also ruled that no investigations should be initiated regarding allegations made against seven Stroud District Councillors by a Stroud Town councillor.

Cllr Chas Townley had reported council leader Cllr John Stephenson-Oliver (Con, Painswick), Cllr Charles Fellows (Con, Chalford), Cllr Stephen Glanfield (Con, Amberley and Woodchester), Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy (Con, The Stanleys), Cllr John Hudson (Con, Cam East), Cllr Barbara Tait (Con, Painswick) and Cllr Dennis Andrewartha (Lib Dem, Cam West) for matters relating to the reporting of Cllr Hilary Fowles (Lab, Dursley) to the board.

The decision of the board relating to the councillors read: "It was considered that the alleged conduct (even if it were found to have occurred) would not have involved any failure to comply with the authority's code of conduct."