THREE parish councillors who resigned after being reported to a government watchdog have hit back at claims they were biased when they made a U-turn on a skate park.

Former Whiteley members Ron Finlay, John Hall and Kate Chapman have spoken to the Daily Echo.

Former chairman Mr Finlay and Mr Hall refute suggestions that they set out to veto the skatepark on land near the Meadowside Centre, because the noise would be heard from their homes.

Both members have quit their posts following the allegations and Cllr Pat Wright has been named the new chairman of Whiteley Parish Council.

Mrs Chapman says she can no longer work with members of the parish.

A fourth member, Kevin Gristock, who voted against a skate park but is not under investigation, also stood down.

They believe complaints to the Standards Board for England by fellow councillors were politically motivated.

The former councillors are all staunch Conservative supporters, whereas their opponents - Cllr Pat Wright, Cllr Vivian Achwal and Cllr Brenda Hatch - are Liberal Democrats.

John Hall added: "I resigned on a matter of principle. I felt very confident in my mind that I could attend and participate in the meeting knowing that I had a totally clear conscience.

"I am amazed and very disappointed that I should have received a letter from the Standards Board. The allegations are totally without foundation.

Kate Chapman said: "Claims that I only joined the parish council to stop the skate park are scurrilous lies."

Mr Gristock added: "We have never been against a skate park. This is a valuable site as it is the only one still available on the Winchester side of Whiteley and to put it to such a single use I felt was wrong."