A SENIOR councillor is refusing to apologise but has agreed to undergo further Code of Conduct training amid a bitter row - over combat trousers.

Joe Armstrong, a leading figure in Durham County Council’s ruling Labour group and chair of the council’s overview and scrutiny wing, challenged resident Ian Dowson after he turned up to a meeting last April of Esh Parish Council in military-style camouflage clothing.

Mr Dowson claims Cllr Armstrong called him a disgrace and accused him of intimidating the whole village of Langley Park.

Cllr Armstrong says Mr Dowson was being aggressive and he found his demeanour and dress intimidating.

Mr Dowson, who runs a business in the village, demanded an apology by Christmas but none was forthcoming, so he filed an official complaint to the county council, claiming Cllr Armstrong had breached its Code of Conduct by failing to treat him with respect and bringing the council into disrepute.

Following an investigation, governance solicitor Clare Burrows said she accepted some people may find combat clothing intimidating but Cllr Armstrong could have handled the matter “more sensitively”.

Proposing a “local resolution”, she offered Cllr Armstrong the opportunity to apologise, which he declined, and suggested he undergo refresher training on the Code of Conduct, which he has agreed to.

Cllr Armstrong said: “Under no circumstances will I apologise. His attitude and demeanour at the time I found intimidating. I’m entitled to my opinion.

“However, I agree with Clare Burrows that I could have probably handled it a little better and I am prepared to undertake the training.”

Cllr Armstrong accused Mr Dowson of trying to disgrace him and have him de-selected for the next local elections.

Mr Dowson denies any political motivation, saying he has never voted.

“All he had to do was apologise. It takes the bigger man to apologise,” he said.

“I’ve worn camouflage since I was in my 20s. I’m always wearing it. I only change for funerals, weddings and functions.”

Mr Dowson has also complained about the conduct of Councillor Barbara Armstrong, the wife of Joe Armstrong and his fellow county councillor for Esh, over her use of a mobile phone during a parish meeting last March. Mrs Armstrong says she was using her phone to take notes.

Mr Dowson, 55, has undertaken much community work in Langley Park and last year was honoured with a County Durham Volunteering Award.