A MORAL row has broken out between parish councillors over new Government legislation on their code of conduct.

Parish councillors across the region are split over the Government's push to bring in a code of practice to make parish council members more accountable for their actions.

Under the Government's code, parish councillors are expected to be more transparent and open with residents.

The new rules also provide for residents to have a greater say in council business.

However, some councillors have refused to sign up to the code, arguing that it is an infringement of their rights as parish council members.

In Middleton-in-Teesdale, in County Durham, parish council chairman John Cronin declined to sign the code, and was told by fellow councillors to resign.

Coun Cronin agreed to stand down "if it was the will of the council", but felt they had been getting mixed messages from Teesdale District Council.

Elsewhere in the region, parish councils are adopting the code and telling members they they must toe the line.

Tom Toward, secretary of Durham and Darlington Association of Parish and Town Councillors, said the new code set down by the Government should serve as a warning to many members.

He said: "This is something that parish councillors should have been following even before it was announced, because the code outlines simple, basic rules.

"I think the vast majority of parish councillors have always followed this code, which until now was unwritten, but the fine minority that don't will no doubt be required to take note.

"It is also important to remember that parish councillors do not get paid. We still work very hard, but we work almost as volunteers - and the Government should look at this aspect of parish council work, as well as the code of conduct."

Many councillors in the region also argue that the budget they receive, which as little as £2,000 in some cases, is far too little to improve local services and fight causes relevant to the local community.

John Watson, a member of Teesdale District Council, said: "This new code of conduct must be adhered to, and I have little sympathy for those that feel it is restricting their powers, because parish councillors, like any representative, must be accountable for their decisions.

"But in the same breath, they do need help and they do need support if they are to succeed."