BROMSGROVE district councillor Athol Deakin is facing suspension at a disciplinary hearing tomorrow into an alleged altercation with his fellow Sidemoor representative.

The Labour councillor is due to face a special disciplinary meeting of the Standards Committee at the Council House, in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove.

The hearing is believed to relate to an incident in June 2004 and involves a complaint by former Labour member Cllr Bill Newnes, who also represents the Sidemoor ward on Bromsgrove District Council.

Cllr Newnes switched allegiance from the Labour party to the Independents last year.

It is the first time the Standards Board for England has referred back a case for a local hearing by the council's own Standards Committee. A report by the Ethical Standards Officer forms the basis of the evidence and a legal officer from the board, Fariha Ayyub, will be at the hearing.

Cllr Deakin has indicated that he doesn't disagree with any of the ESO's findings. The only witness to the incident, Cllr June Griffiths (Con - Alvechurch) has not been asked to attend as the facts aren't in dispute.

Cllr Deakin has decided to give evidence on his own behalf and doesn't want the hearing held behind closed doors.

If the committee finds Cllr Deakin has breached the Code of Conduct, he faces a possible combination of a range of penalties including suspension or partial suspension for three months, being censured and having his access to the authority's resources restricted.

The special meeting is due to start at 6pm.