A LEADING Leyland councillor has been asked to resign over allegations of bringing the council into disrepute.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Farington, Mark Alcock, has been asked to reconsider his position on the council's planning committee after members censured his behaviour over remarks he made about the proposed Manor House Farm housing development, Croston Road, Leyland.

Coun Alcock was criticised at last week's full council meeting for lambasting the council over the development at a recent public meeting before it went to a further planning committee.

His outburst has disappointed members who say Coun Alcock has left himself open to charges of disrepute.

Conservative representative for Lostock Hall and executive member responsible for planning, Coun Cliff Hughes, called for Mark Alcock to "reconsider his position".

He said: "All planning decisions are judicial. This shouldn't be hindered because someone doesn't like aspects of that decision. Councillors can't make comments about planning before it comes to a committee. You have to be careful what you say." He added the irony of councillor Alcock's behaviour was that when the development was given outline permission earlier in the year, he voted for it."

But Coun Alcock defended his actions.

"I have been standing on the side of the residents -- the people who elected me," he said.

"I didn't bring the council in to disrepute. I declared an interest before the meeting and took no part in the decisions.

"I will not resign or reconsider my future within the council's planning committee."

David Howarth, the Liberals' group leader added his support to Councillor Alcock by saying: "I can't see any reason for him to reconsider his position.

"Historically, he has always campaigned against houses being built on the Manor House site, and he was always going to declare an interest.

"I am more than satisfied that he does not have a case to answer."