A SPAT between bosses of a radio station and leading councillors has been reported to police.

Jason Anderson of Radio Hartlepool confirmed he has been in touch with both Cleveland Police and officials at Hartlepool Borough Council.

The Northern Echo understands the complaints surround Hartlepool’s Ukip parliamentary candidate Phillip Broughton being invited to appear on the radio station.

It is alleged other political figures were upset the station, which usually concentrates on community issues, was being used for political purposes.

It is understood that councillors advised the station to remain apolitical but Mr Anderson considered undue pressure was being applied.

Following the conversations, complaints were made against Mayor Stephen Akers-Belcher, Cllr Carl Richardson, Labour and leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Ray Martin-Wells.

Jason Anderson, Managing Director of Radio Hartlepool, said: “All I can say is the police have been left with certain documents.”

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher, Mayor of Hartlepool, said: “I am deeply saddened by the actions of Radio Hartlepool having been a huge supporter for many years and completely refute the accusations. My only contact was to advise them that they should not become political when they have worked so hard to become a valued non-political, community radio station.”

Cllr Richardson, deputy leader of Hartlepool Council, also rejected the accusations and Cllr Martin-Wells, said: "I wholeheartedly refute the suggestion of any wrongdoing. I telephoned Jason as a friend of over 20 years and was very surprised and saddened to hear that he had recorded my conversation."

Both Cleveland Police and Hartlepool council confirmed that complaints had been received. The council has been considering supporting Radio Hartlepool with advertising on bins and signs and in the authority’s community magazine.