A Queensbury couple have been expelled by the Labour Party after targeting a councillor for more than five years, alleging planning irregularities.

George and Dr Margaret Riseborough, who live in a luxury detached house off Roper Lane, Queensbury, have been thrown out by the National Constitutional Committee, which ruled their sustained conduct was detrimental to the party.

The NCC - part of Labour's National Executive Council - said it believed the couple had joined the party to pursue a single issue which had already gone through the proper channels of the Ombudsman and court and judged unfounded.

A regional spokesman said Coun Jack Womersley had a done nothing at all wrong.

The allegations had surrounded land owned by the Riseborough's neighbour, millionaire John Steel.

The high-profile planning councillor announced in October that he was retiring from the Council this May because of the pressures of the job.

The 50-year-old deputy chairman of the Council's transportation, planning and design committee, who is also a Queensbury ward councillor, said the Riseborough's unfounded campaign had contributed to the stress which prompted his decision.

Coun Womersley said today he was seeking legal advice over the case and had asked the National Labour Party to support him. He added: "I am looking for a solicitor to help me redress the balance. It is time somebody took them to task. I am very pleased about the decision and I think it is a good thing for the Labour Party that these people are out."

Two months ago the Queensbury ward Labour Party suspended its business because of the problems the situation had created.

Coun Susan Dewney, the chairman of Bradford South Labour constituency, which includes Queensbury, said: "I am very pleased this episode is at an end and the constituency can get back to normal."

The constituency claimed at the NCC meeting in Bradford at the weekend that the Riseboroughs had broken membership conditions stating that members should not engage in a "sustained course of conduct prejudicial, or in any act grossly detrimental to the party."

No comment was available today from the Riseboroughs, despite several attempts by the Telegraph & Argus to contact them by visit and telephone.

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