FEARS that Aiskew Parish Council could collapse in disarray over controversial Government legislation have receded.

Four members who originally said they would not sign a mandatory code of conduct announced at the annual meeting on Wednesday that they were staying on until elections next year.

Two of the seven councillors quit in protest at the code in March and Coun Terry Noyes, the chairman, on Wednesday carried out his threat to follow suit because he believes the legislation is ill-conceived.

Before he left, he read out an annual report in which he said another councillor would resign on Wednesday and two more intended to go by the July deadline. Only one current member would stay on, reluctantly and out of a sense of duty.

Visibly taken aback when Coun Herbert Smith announced he was not resigning, Coun Noyes said: "It would have helped if you had told me this beforehand."

Similar announcements were made by Coun Bob Pocklington, who had been expected to stay, Coun David Lumley, vice-chairman, and Coun Maureen Braithwaite.

Coun Smith said: "We just cannot let this council fall into disarray. Everyone is thinking about the community."

Coun Lumley, who was later elected chairman for the coming year, said: "I would not like to see the whole thing come to a grinding halt. The amended code is a lot different from the original. I will sign it."

Coun Braithwaite, the newest member who joined last year, said: "I am concerned the council will fall apart if everyone goes and I am having a deep rethink."

Coun Pocklington, who is now vice-chairman, was absent last month when Couns Smith, Lumley and Braithwaite agreed that the council as a body should formally adopt the code after being advised that this would safeguard the position of replacement members. It would then be up to individuals to decide whether to sign up.

Carl Les, who is already a county and district councillor, and Michael Lowe have been co-opted as new members.