THE Local Government watchdog has thrown out allegations made against two Teignmouth town councillors.
The Standard Board for England will not investigate an accusation that Cllr David Cox and Cllr David Weekes breached the code of conduct in setting this year's precept. Cllr Chris Whitlock reported the pair for not declaring an interest because of their involvement with the Teignmouth Regeneration Project, an organisation that could benefit from council funds. He said that the breach occurred at the full council meeting on February 7 when the precept was ratified. Cllr David Cox was not in attendance. The precept was discussed at an earlier meeting. The Standards Board considered that discussing financial assistance in the wider context of the precept 'would not have required the councillors to withdraw from the meeting'. It acknowedges that 'while the members may have failed to declare a personal but non-prejudicial interest, 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 investigation and any consequent action.' Cllr David Cox said that the allegation was 'surreal'. 'It's like something out Alice in Wonderland, when you're reported for doing something at a meeting you haven't even attended', he said.