A WRANGLE dividing a national park authority has deepened.

A further letter has been sent to the Government's Standards Board demanding action against the man leading a campaign for a change of heart over a controversial Wensleydale barn conversion.

John Blackie has fought hard on behalf of a Dales couple who, following the birth of their twin daughters, wanted planning permission to redevelop a barn at Cams Houses, near Hawes.

Twice, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee agreed - only to see the decision overturned by the monitoring officer on policy grounds.

The decision prompted 1,500 people to sign a petition, both promoted and presented by Mr Blackie.

The issue also prompted claims that policies were weighted in favour of the development of holiday homes, rather than houses for local people.

But the mounting vitriol surrounding the row has also divided the national park authority's membership to such an extent four members have now written to the Government's Standards Board, pressing for action against Mr Blackie.

Former deputy chairman John Pearlman confirmed yesterday that he has joined Professor Roy Swanston, Deborah Millward and Nicky Grace.

An unrepentant Mr Blackie insisted he was only acting in the interests of the communities he represents.

"All I am doing is what I see as my duty, which is to stand up and be counted with local people," he said yesterday.

However, Prof Swanston denied any claim the motive was to gag Mr Blackie.

He said: "What I find unacceptable is Mr Blackie's language. Although he has a right to debate and to express his views, he has constantly used meetings to make personal attacks on officers who are not in a position to defend themselves - that is what we are incensed about."