Ben BiddulphA GOVERNMENT watchdog has begun investigating homophobic comments made by a former Trowbridge councillor despite his resignation from the authority.

The Standards Board for England has started a full probe into anti-gay comments made by former Trowbridge Town councillor Ben Biddulph, who resigned last month.

Meanwhile the watchdog has opted not to investigate separate claims against a Wingfield parish councillor.

Cllr Allan Spreadbury was accused by a fellow councillor of failing to treat others with respect, bringing the council into disrepute and failing to report another member to the watchdog.

All the claims arose out of a row between Cllr Spreadbury and two other councillors over a planning application to convert a derelict building into a summerhouse.

One of the allegations stemmed from a message left on council chairman Doreen Willis' answer phone.

A spokesman for the Standards Board said: "The allegations were looked at and it was decided not to refer the matter for investigation.

"The reason being that it did not justify the use of our resources."

Parish council clerk Roger Coleman said the board's decision had been circulated to all members, who were aware of its conclusion.

In relation to 27-year-old Mr Biddulph, the allegations he brought Trowbridge Town Council into disrepute and failed to treat others with respect are being investigated.

A member of the public made the complaints after the former Liberal Democrat councillor branded gays and lesbians as 'perverts and paedophiles' in a letter to the Wiltshire Times.

Wiltshire police officers and senior members of Mr Biddulph's own party were quick to distance themselves from the comments.

Mr Biddulph told us at the time he was responding to calls from the Catholic church to oppose any legal moves to recognise same-sex relationships.

Trowbridge Town Council also reported the controversial councillor for his comments.

The timescale of the investigation is unclear but if the allegations are proved Mr Biddulph could be barred from standing as a councillor for up to five years.

The former Bowyers worker, who represented the College ward, announced his resignation in March, returning home to Wales, where he has links with nationalist party Plaid Cymru.