Parish council bullying probe cost more than £60k
LDRSAn investigation into claims of bullying, assault and unlawful use of public funds in a rural village cost a local authority more than £60,000.
Durham County Council launched a probe after members of Romaldkirk Parish Council were accused of being "dismissive and disrespectful" to others.
The dispute ignited over long-running land disagreements, with residents exchanging "toxic and threatening" WhatsApp messages. Four parish councillors were ordered to take conduct training after several complaints against them were upheld.
One resident, summing up the dispute, said: "I say to all my friends and family, if you think Emmerdale is something, move to Romaldkirk."
Police also looked into complaints of assault among members but closed their investigations.
Report 'not fair'
Durham County Council, which was run by a coalition at the time, spent a total of £62,989 on internal and external costs, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Helen Bradley, director of legal and democratic services, said: "The report to next week's Standards Committee provides a breakdown of this, which includes £21,646 of internal costs and £41,343 of external costs."
A Durham County Council standards hearing in March ordered councillors Jacqueline Barningham, Gillian Carter, Lesley Cutting and Derek Nixon to undertake training.
They were also investigated for the handling of finances and alleged false statements regarding funds.
Investigating officer Rachel Antonelli was employed to preside over the feud, but Ivan Carter-Becker, representing the councillors, criticised her report.
He said it was not "fair, reasoned, or justified and it should never have been put forward".
"When looking at the actual evidence, it's clear the councillors acted the best way they could. The allegations are not correct."