A ROW tearing apart a town council is set to continue.

Westhoughton councillor David Wilkinson is reporting six of his colleagues to the Standards Board, which regulates councillors' conduct in England and Wales.

The move by Cllr Wilkinson, who has also been subject to a Standards Board investigation, is the latest in a series of accusations, bitter rows and official investigations which has dogged Westhougton Town Council in recent times.

The Lib-Dem councillor announced his intention to report the six serving councillors at December's meeting of the town council.

The councillors are Labour's Arthur Price, Jim Gilfillan, George Penny, Brian Clare, Joe Hayes and David Chadwick.

Cllr Wilkinson said he was reporting them for alleged failures to declare interests, together with planning irregularities.

He said: "I am compiling evidence to present to the Standards Board this month because, in my opinion the six councillors failed to comply with the regulations and breached the code of conduct."

The latest row follows a number of complaints against Cllr Wilkinson. The Standards Board found he had failed to treat others with respect, failed to withdraw from a meeting in which he had a prejudicial interest, and that he had brought his office as leader of the town council into disrepute.

When asked if his action will further damage the reputation of the council, Cllr Wilkinson said: "The people of Westhoughton have a right to know if councillors have breached the code of conduct."

The move by Cllr Wilkinson has come as a surprise to the councillors he has accused.

Cllr Price said: "It seems that we are all falling out at the town council, but that is not true. We are getting on with the job we were elected to do, and that is to represent the people and my conscience is clear. It is more or less the same six people who reported him to the board."

Cllr Penny added: "I am confident the allegations will be dismissed. Cllr Wilkinson is not only wasting the time of Westhoughton but is not doing the town council any favours."

Cllr Clare said town council business had been conducted properly and Cllr Wilkinson "can do what he wants".

Cllr Hayes said: "How can Cllr Wilkinson make comments when he is hardly at any meetings?"

Cllr Chadwick said: "I have no idea what Cllr Wilkinson is alluding to. If I knew what I was accused of I might be in a better position to make more of a comment."

Cllr Gilfillan said: "One hopes the Standards Board will do their duty."