COUNCILLORS in Darlington face being checked by the criminal records bureau under proposals.

Social Services at Darlington Borough Council had run checks on elected members who visited council homes with children and vulnerable adults, but now it looks set to be extended to all 54 councillors.

In a report to the cabinet, Paul Wildsmith, director of Corporate Services, said: "In the interests of maintaining high standards and public probity and to demonstrate the council's commitment to its corporate parenting role, it is recommended that all members of the council be CRB checked."

After the initial checks, they will be rechecked every four years. Councillors will debate the issue at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.