FACE-TO-FACE talks have been ruled out between a council and a resident whose complaints are said to have cost the authority over £100,000 to investigate.

Bernard Borman, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, has hotly denied allegations made in July by Richmondshire District Council's chief executive, Harry Tabiner, and leader of the authority, Councillor John Blackie.

However, he was hoping to settle the argument one way or the other at a meeting with the council's political leaders, as well as Coun Blackie and Mr Tabiner.

Catterick councillor Tony Pelton tabled a motion suggesting the tete-a-tete at a full meeting of the authority on Tuesday night - but it took councillors less than five minutes to reject the idea.

Liberal Democrat group leader, Councillor Richard Good, said a meeting could at least indicate that the council was willing to try to resolve its ongoing debate with Mr Borman.

Leyburn councillor Terry Jones was among those who were uneasy with the idea He said: "In an ideal world, I would support the meeting and I would hope it could be constructive, but I fear, on this occasion, it could run out of control and would only inflame the situation."

Yesterday, Mr Borman admitted he was disappointed he had been denied an opportunity to address the council directly.

"If Mr Tabiner and Councillor Blackie are so sure of their case, then they should welcome every chance they have to prove they are right rather than taking every opportunity to block public examination of the facts,'' he said.