SERIOUS allegations about a Sefton Liberal Democrat councillor were made to his national watchdog yesterday.

Furious members of the Waterloo Residents Association wrote to the Standards Board for England calling into question the conduct of Cllr Peter Hough.

In a 15-page complaint seen by the Daily Post, the WRA say the Victoria ward representative breached six parts of the councillors’ code of conduct.

Cllr Hough has described his “amazement” at the complaint and said it is “utterly without foundation”.

He says he is seeking legal advice over the issue.

Members of the WRA voted unanimously to charge their chairman, Ian Hamilton Fazey.

Cllr Hough told the Daily Post: “I am absolutely amazed by Mr Hamilton Fazey's complaint regarding my alleged breaches of the code of conduct.

“It is utterly without foundation, and I am certain that the Standards Board will throw it out immediately. The timing of this is very suspicious, as we are in the run up to the local elections.

The complaint hinges around Cllr Hough’s conduct while negotiating the future of the pavilion in Victoria Park, Waterloo.

The WRA called into question his support for plans drawn up by non-profit youth work company Options 2004.

Paul Bassett, a youth worker and Options company secretary, submitted proposals to take over the pavilion and use it as a youth and community centre.

But the WRA objected to the scheme because they believed Mr Bassett planned to base the now-defunct business at public expense.

They also say Options’ plans included keeping the park open until 10pm which would have been contrary to bylaws that require it to close an hour after sunset.

Cllr Hough, the WRA further alleges, pressed a council officer into persisting with the Options proposals after the company was issued with liquidation proceedings.

Cllr Hough is alleged to have described the WRA as “scaremongers” and “mischiefmakers” in an email to a resident.

The WRA claim they wrote to the councillor on December 20 to ask for an apology but never received a reply.

Mr Hamilton Fazey said: “At our February meeting, when he had made no contact at all, we decided to take this drastic step.”

The Standards Board say they have not assessed the complaint to decide if they will start an investigation.

Cllr Hough added: “ Mr Hamilton Fazey's allegations go beyond a complaint to the Board. They are highly defamatory, and I am seeking legal advice.”

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