A COUNCIL will face no further action after being investigated for its handling of complaints about noise from a motor racing circuit.
The Local Government Ombudsman was called in when it was alleged that two councillors on Richmondshire District Council, in North Yorkshire, had failed to declare an interest during debates on the issue.
People with homes near the track, at Croft, near Darlington, were angry the council had twice withdrawn noise abatement notices.
The authority faced allegations it failed to prepare properly for a court hearing on the issue and had shown bias towards the management at the circuit.
However, Ombudsman Patricia Thomas concluded the authority's arrangements for monitoring noise from the track were satisfactory and that the council has acted properly throughout.
In her report, she writes: "The council has to strike a balance between its regulatory activity with regard to noise nuisance and planning control, and its role promoting economic activity and tourism in its area.
"I have seen no evidence that the council's involvement with the circuit shows bias in favour of the circuit and against local residents."
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