COMPLAINTS of misconduct made against Wiltshire Council member for Malmesbury Simon Killane have been formally dismissed by the council.

Accusations were made against Cllr Killane by a number of people from Malmesbury over the past three years.

In three of the cases, the complaints have been dropped on the grounds that he was not acting in an official capacity as a councillor at the time of the reported incidents.

The stated reason for dismissal on the fourth complaint was, according to the council, that “the matters complained of would not meet the required threshold to demonstrate that the subject member’s conduct has breached the Code of Conduct.”

Cllr Killane said on his website in response to the complaints being dismissed: “Local residents must be made aware that several malicious and false complaints were made about me over the last year and a half.

“All investigated complaints have been completely dismissed.

“These things were so out of order in the first place, there was no substance whatsoever.

“I believe that the intention of those making these outrageous complaints was to destroy my good reputation as your elected Wiltshire Council representative.

“I wish to make it absolutely clear that I totally support everyone's democratic right to challenge or complain about those holding an elected position.

“However, some people abuse the process for their own reasons and use it to make vexatious complaints.

“It’s been a huge stress for me and my family over the last year and a half, so I’m glad it’s now been resolved.”