COUNCILLORS in Trowbridge have voted against making any changes to their existing code of conduct.

They decided they did not need to tighten up the regulations relating to their ethical standards.

The move followed a motion submitted by Cllr Edward Kirk who said councillors should not take part in discussions or vote if they have any interest, whether registered or not, "if a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your consideration or decision-making in relation to that matter."

Council leader Cllr Peter Fuller said: "I see no reason why we should change our standing orders as they are at the moment.

"They have not caused any issues in the past. I suggest we carry on and do our best for this town."

Trowbridge Town Council's chief executive and town clerk Lance Allan said their existing code of conduct already covered the disclosure of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests as defined by government regulations.

These prevent councillors becoming involved in discussions or voting on matters where they have a pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest unless they have obtained a dispensation from the council to do so.

Cllr Graham Hill said: "I was elected on a single issue. If you change the code of conduct it will prevent me from speaking on that issue."

Mr Allan said the government had not responded to a review by the Committee on Standards in Public Life following a report in January that included a list of 26 recommendations.

He added: "It would therefore be premature of Trowbridge Town Council to change its rules now.

"It should be noted that the current rules in the code of conduct and standing orders of Trowbridge Town Council are more restrictive than the current law."