COUNCILLORS were banned from their own buildings after a dispute but now the ban has been lifted.

Malvern Hills district councillors were banned from entering council buildings without a pre-arranged appointment.

The decision was reversed at the full council meeting last week, after what is believed to be around three months following a dispute between a councillor and an officer.

Councillor Paul Swinburn, deputy leader at Malvern Hills District Council said “Obviously member conduct is an important issue, but we felt the blanket approach was not the only option.

“Any problems with conduct will be immediately referred to the chief executive and the monitoring officer.”

The decision comes into effect immediately and was welcomed by the new chief executive of the council, Jack Hegarty.

He said :“I welcome this decision wholeheartedly.

“We are promoting a team approach between officers and members.”

The original decision to ban all councillors has been described as “appalling” by councillor Tom Wells.

He said the explanation he was given was the ban came in to force because of a dispute between a councillor and an officer.

He added: “But it was an extraordinary and appalling decision to ban all councillors from the council buildings.

“We cannot serve our electorates if we cannot get into council buildings.

“The decision was wrong on the basis that it was a complete over-reaction. It’s important for councillors and members to work in harmony.

“I am glad to see a new chief executive come in with new ideas.”

The new ruling means should any councillor be alleged to misbehave to an employee, the chief executive shall have the right to suspend the member’s access to council buildings.

The case shall then go before the Standards Committee, where it will be decided whether a hearing into the case is needed or not.

All other councillors will have access to buildings throughout the process.