A WRITTEN apology has been formally called for from a Richmondshire councillor accused of sexism.

The district council standards committee found Coun Tony Pelton had brought discredit on the authority by publishing an "inappropriate" article in his community newsletter.

The article, which referred to three female council staff and used their first names, was branded sexist and patronising by two fellow members of the authority - Couns Lynn Miller and Yvonne Peacock. They made an official complaint to the standards committee.

The committee agreed unanimously to recommend to full council on January 23 that Coun Pelton be asked to apologise in writing, either individually to each of the three women or in an article in the Clarion, his news sheet which circulates in the Catterick area.

The article, in the Christmas 2000 issue, was entitled Old Arms Out New Legs In and bemoaned the loss of the old coat of arms from council letterheads. It then referred to the legs, smile and "Marilyn Monroe approach" of the three staff.

Members did not consider Coun Pelton had breached the national code of local government conduct but had discredited the authority.

In a statement to the committee, Coun Pelton said the article "was intended to be complimentary and cheerful with the Christmas season of goodwill in mind." He was willing to accept it may have caused genuine concern, which he regretted, but it was unintentional.

Coun Edward Forth did not think the article malicious but it was foolish, puerile and inappropriate and had brought the council into disrepute.

Coun John Blackie said that, if no apology was forthcoming by the February full council, the authority should look at taking further steps. This was supported by other members.

Coun Pelton, who did not attend the committee, could not be contacted for comment. However, it is believed he does not intend to apologise.

l The meeting got off to a stormy start when Leyburn resident Mr Bernard Borman used public question time to harangue members with claims that the committee was illegally constituted. He said its establishment flouted government guidelines and it was a "kangaroo court."

As chairman Coun Helen Grant attempted to respond, she was shouted down by Mr Borman, who leapt to his feet, waved a copy of the Curlew, the council's news letter, and claimed an article in it was sexist.

He then left the meeting before Coun Grant could reply that the committee was lawfully set up.