A PARISH councillor has labelled his town council undemocratic after members turned down his sole application to fill a vacant seat.

Coun Tony Cooke, a member of Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council, made his third attempt to be co-opted on to Barnard Castle Town Council after seeing the advertised vacancy. His latest application was the only one.

But in a secret ballot on Monday, the town council voted five votes to three, with one spoilt paper, not to let Coun Cooke, 62, join its ranks. No reasons were made public, a move described by Coun Newton Wood as not in the interests of the people of the town. They also took the decision not to re-advertise the vacancy.

Coun Wood, who voted in favour of Coun Cooke, could not understand why they were turning him down.

"He has offered his help and we have turned him down without reason. It's a closed shop," he said.

Coun Cooke said he could understand if some were deterred by his campaigning against the waste transfer station at Stainton Grove, but he was angered by the decision, which he called undemocratic.

"I campaigned for the people who live here, and whose interests I want to represent, not because of any personal vendetta," he said.

However, he is now going to apply again following support from residents of Stainton Grove and Barnard Castle.

"Thirty-nine people from the Barnard Castle area have come forward with their names, signatures and addresses, giving me their support and calling for me to represent them on the town council," he said.

"I will be writing to the clerk, Geoff Bosworth, outlining my reasons for applying again."

Mr Bosworth confirmed that it was legal for the council to vote not to adopt a candidate, even if he were the only applicant.