TIME is running out for a North-East councillor serving his constituents from the Caribbean if he wants to keep his seat.

Councillor Stephen Gregory must go to at least one meeting of Wear Valley District Council next month, otherwise he faces being disqualified for non-attendance.

In September, The Northern Echo revealed that Coun Gregory, who receives £4,500 a year for his role, had moved to the Dominican Republic.

The revelation caused an outcry amongst people in Bishop Auckland, but he said he could still represent them from the opposite side of the world.

To remain on the council he has to attend at least one meeting every six months and Coun Gregory's time runs out in January.

His last chance could be a full meeting of the council in Crook, County Durham, on Wednesday night, although he may be entitled to attend a committee meeting later in the month.

It is not known if Coun Gregory intends to be present at this week's meeting, which will include a debate on the issue of councillors' allowances.

Members will be asked to call for a change in the regulations by Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition Chris Foote Wood.

He feels that thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money is being wasted on stay away councillors, such as Coun Gregory.

Coun Foote Wood said: "There are councillors, of which Stephen Gregory is just one, that turn up once every six months and are happy to claim the same full allowance that dedicated members who go week in, week out receive.

"It may be their legal right, but they don't have the moral right to take taxpayers' money without giving anything in return.

"I appreciate that some members cannot attend every meeting for genuine reasons and this should be noted, but we have to make the effort.

"The system can and should be changed so those who show the minimum commitment get the minimum amount."

He wants the Government to make an order permitting local authorities to create their own two tier systems of payment.

The system should reflect the number of meetings attended in a given period, subject to authorised absences, Coun Foote Wood will say at the meeting on Wednesday.

Coun Gregory is not believed to have contacted the council since summer. When The Northern Echo tried to contact him last night, his mobile telephone was not working.