A COUNCIL is investigating a complaint that a councillor called a member of the public a "smelly cow" during a dispute over parking.

A woman claims Leyburn town councillor Bernard Borman verbally abused her outside his home in Brentwood, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, last week.

However, last night Cllr Borman disputed the motorist's version of events. He claimed she raised her voice first and emphasised her point with rude gestures.

Cllr Borman said he was trying to leave his house and simply asked her to move the car which was blocking his exit.

However, he said: "Obviously, I regret it if I may have used inappropriate language."

The motorist, who has asked not to be named, said she parked on the road near Leyburn Medical Practice to drop off a piece of equipment.

She added: "I don't really know the road but I parked up in an area avoiding a 'no parking' white line and where I wasn't blocking anyone's driveway on either side of the road.

"As I got out of my car I heard shouting from the opposite side of the road. I realised that a gentleman standing in front of gates across the road was shouting at me to move my car, which was actually parked well forward of his gates.

"I was absolutely shocked and appalled - amongst other expletives I was called a 'stupid cow' and a 'smelly cow' - an insult to cattle it has to be said."

The woman said the man continued to shout at her when she returned to her vehicle five minutes later.

She added: "I completely understand why residents of Brentwood would be upset by inconsiderate parking, but in this instance the tone and language was completely excessive and inappropriate."

Cllr Borman said motorists frequently parked opposite his drive, which prevented him and his wife from pulling out onto the road.

He said the woman's version of events was inaccurate, adding that he was trying to leave his property at the time when the incident occurred.

He said: "I politely asked the woman to move her car forward so that we could exit our driveway without complicated manoeuvres.

"It was she who started a shouting match and then refused to move her car."

He added: "I dare say that when one is confronted by rude and inconsiderate people, one may lose one's temper and say things which are not necessarily appropriate.

"I notice that the so-called lady failed to mention that she gave me two fingers and to distribute a story which is not accurate and to my detriment speaks for itself.

"Why could she not have moved a few feet further forward without causing an argument?"

The woman denied making an offensive gesture or being rude to the man.

A spokeswoman for Leyburn Town Council said the authority was aware of the allegation and was investigating.

The incident was reported to North Yorkshire Police, although the force said it was not taking any action.