Councillors at a north Yorkshire council have been accused of bullying in an independent investigation into the allegations.

The crisis-hit Richmondshire DC has reportedly been at the centre of a power struggle and in-fighting for some time, and last week, a report by Richard Penn, an independent investigator for the council, revealed the extent of the bullying. Five councillors were accused as a group of bullying and harassment, and breaching an officer's contractual entitlement. Another was found to have wrongfully accused an officer of lying, and perpetrating a consistent and sustained attack on another officer's character. The council thanked Mr Penn for the ‘clear and comprehensive' nature of the report, but said it was ‘deeply disturbed' by the findings. Chief executive, Harry Tabiner said the council reiterated its total opposition to bullying and harassment within the council, and urged the six councillors involved to respond positively to Mr Penn's report and its findings, and undertake ‘appropriate training to assist in their future conduct'.