TWO councillors accused of abusive behaviour will not face any action from the Standards Board for England.

Councillors John Shuttleworth and Ron Grogan were reported by Councillor Chris Foote Wood, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wear Valley District Council.

Coun Foote Wood accused Coun Shuttleworth of foul and obscene language and Coun Grogan of abusive and persistent personal attacks on him in the council chamber.

However the Standards Board, which can bar people from public office, has decided that the allegations against the pair, who are both independents, should not be investigated.

In its decision, the board said: "In all circumstances, it was considered that the alleged conduct, even if it were found to have occurred, was not of such significance itself to justify investigation and any consequent action.

"This is not to suggest the board condones or approves of any such alleged conduct."

Coun Foote Wood said he was disappointed with the outcome, but felt he had "put down a marker".

Meanwhile, it emerged last night that a further complaint by Coun Foote Wood against former Wear Valley councillor Stephen Gregory will also not be pursued by the board.

Coun Foote Wood had complained about alleged media statements made about him by Mr Gregory. He also report-ed the matter to the police.

A board spokeswoman said the allegations were felt not to be of such significance to justify spending public money on an investigation.

Mr Gregory, a former butcher, sparked a storm when it emerged he was serving his Bishop Auckland constituents by telephone from his new home, 4,500 miles in the Dominican Republic.