Having considered the written evidence put forward and all the evidence presented to it at the hearing, the Committee made its decision which is summarised in the following Decision Notice:

We have carefully considered the evidence and arguments presented before us today.  We find that on 22 July 2003 and on 29 July 2003 Councillor Ray Cooper breached paragraph 2(b) of the Council’s Code of Conduct which requires that members should treat others with respect.

We­ have taken into account the evidence of Councillor Dauncey that Councillor Cooper’s behaviour has improved beyond all recognition, and that both he and Councillor Briggs, the Mayor, have told us that he is now a very good councillor, and we have given weight to the fact that these are the two of the three complainants who are still on the council.

We have also had in mind the very lengthy period of time this matter has been outstanding.  But in view of the breach of paragraph 2(b) of the Code we have no alternative but to impose a penalty, which is one of censure.

Our recommendation to Bromyard and Winslow Town Council is that they proceed with the training for councillors mentioned in Councillor Briggs’s evidence this morning.  The Herefordshire Association of Local Councils and this Committee are ready to support that process.

We have significant concerns about the length of time this investigation took to be completed, and this and other procedural matters will be covered in our full decision.

Our Decision Notice will be made available today and will be posted on the Herefordshire Council’s website today.  Our full decision will be published as soon as possible.

Brockington

35 Hafod Road, Hereford

Date: 14 January 2005