TWENTY independent councillors have been invited to a private meeting, two days before the annual meeting of Teesdale District Council, which has caused consternation in some circles.

The meeting has been called by Coun John Salter, former secretary of the Teesdale Independent Group, which is no longer in existence. In a letter to all independent members of the authority, Coun Salter says he has been approached by ex-group members, non-aligned members and new independent members, who indicated that they would find it helpful to meet ahead of next Wednesday's council meeting.

But a D&S Times source, recalling what he felt was an earlier attempt by the independent group to take control of the council in the late Nineties, said he was concerned that such a meeting had been called just two days before the annual meeting, at which appointments to various committees would be decided.

"I am not suggesting that there is any kind of plot to take over the council, but am just wondering why there is a need for such a meeting," he added.

Coun Salter stood by his words that he had been approached by non-aligned members and had accordingly organised the meeting, which takes place at the council offices on Monday. But he stressed there was no set agenda.

"From the 32 members on Teesdale Council, 20 of those are independent, and will naturally fill committee places," he added. "It seems eminently sensible to get together beforehand, rather than have a bun fight in the council over who would like their name put forward for what.

"Different groups on the council have got together this way in the past. It is quite usual before an annual meeting of the council."

Coun John Armstrong, a non-aligned member of 49 years' standing, said: "I have not approached Coun Salter, and neither have any of the other non-aligned members.

"I have and always will remain independent. I don't want to join any group, but I will try to get along to the meeting in a watching brief capacity."

New member Coun David Blackie said he had stood as an independent and while he would remain independent of any political party, he would be prepared to talk to like-minded people