Mediator for crisis-hit council

The allegations concern six elected members

An independent mediator is to be brought in to resolve a crisis at Shepway District Council.

Accusations of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour have left the Kent authority in turmoil.

The problems, which concern six unnamed elected members, have been referred to the Standards Board for England, and the District Auditor has also threatened to intervene.

But at a special meeting last night councillors agreed to bring in an independent mediator to sort out the situation.

Huge achievements

Speaking on BBC Radio Kent, council leader, Rory Love, admitted there had been misconduct but refused to cite examples or name names.

He said: "We do have one or two difficulties. We mustn't get this out of perspective though.

"There are huge achievements that this council has made over the last few years, but yes, the independent facilitator will help resolve those one or two issues that are threatening to block our progress in one or two key areas."

He said the problems had the potential to do a lot of damage but if they were nipped in the bud then he believed they could be resolved.