A HEARING to consider allegations against a member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) has been adjourned indefinitely.

John Blackie was accused by former member Ann Brooks of breaching the authority’s code of conduct by failing to treat others with courtesy and conducting himself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing the authority or his office as a member into disrepute.

The allegations followed a meeting of the authority in March and were denied by Mr Blackie.

Independent solicitor John Lawrence, who was called in to investigate the allegations, decided the evidence supported Mrs Brooks' claims.

However, at a meeting of the authority’s standards committee on Tuesday – where his report was due to be considered – members decided to adjourn the hearing indefinitely.

Authority chairman Peter Charlesworth said: “It was agreed by all parties on reflection not to proceed to a hearing on the basis that Mr Blackie acknowledges that his allegations of political motivation and conspiracy were wrong. No decision will be made one way or another.

“The further action is a joint resolve between all concerned to work together to meet the challenges that face the National Park and its communities in the future.

“I would like to add personally, particularly since the rural summit last week, that it is essential that we all work in harmony together to do our best for the National Park and the communities in the Dales.”

Cllr Blackie, who is also leader of Richmondshire District Council and a county councillor, said he accepted the statement.

He added: “I in my various public service roles will do my absolute best to deliver outcomes that are favourable to local communities and the Dales.”