A CONTROVERSIAL former Fylde councillor has received a year-long ban from holding office by independent watchdogs.

As revealed in The Citizen (February 13), ex-councillor, Michael Tomlinson, has been investigated by the Adjudication Panel for England amid accusations of improper conduct over planning applications.

The inquiry into the conduct of Mr Tomlinson -- who lost his seat on the council in local elections last month -- was referred to the panel by Ethical Standards Officers at the Standards Board for England.

Mr Tomlinson -- who owns Salwick Hall Farm, near Preston -- did not attend the tribunal hearing, held in Preston on Wednesday, May 28.

Members of the panel probed claims that the former representative for Newton-with-Clifton ward tried to secure retail use for the former Gibson machinery plant at Newton-with-Scales.

They also examined allegations from other Fylde councillors that the Development Control Committee ex-member had the plans for a large garden centre before they were presented to council planning officials and was trying to sway opinion in favour of the project.

Mr Tomlinson declined to discuss the allegations but, commenting on the decision said: "I'm disappointed with the unbelievable way things turned out. During my time as a councillor I feel I made myself available for anybody who wished to contact me over any matter and always returned people's calls. This has been a sad affair and I have given up on local politics for the time being."

An adjudication panel spokesman said: "The tribunal decided that Cllr Tomlinson should be disqualified for one year from being or becoming a member of the relevant authorities or of any other relevant authority.

Fylde Borough Council has so far declined to comment on the suspension at time of press.