A BITTER row has erupted following the suspension of a leading campaigner opposed to plans to demolish 1,500 homes.

Councillor Ken Walker, who represents Gresham on Middlesbrough Council, has hit back at accusations that he refused to toe the Labour party line.

And the outspoken 63-year-old has dismissed claims his three-month suspension was for any other reason than his unstinting opposition to the authority's demolition programme.

His opposition to the demolition plans has once more pitted Coun Walker against Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, who backs the demolition. The two first crossed swords during the long-running Operation Lancet inquiry, when Mr Mallon was head of Middlesbrough CID and Coun Walker headed Cleveland Police Authority.

Coun Walker said: "I was elected to represent the people of Gresham and that is exactly what I am doing.

"These residents came to me with their objections and it is my job to take them to the council.

"I will represent their views with or without the backing of the Labour group.

"I have been accused of not attending meetings but that is just not true. Anyone can see my attendance records if they want.

"I have received more than 3,000 written objections to these proposals. I have also publicly pledged my support to the local residents that I will campaign with them hoping to persuade the Regional Housing Board, in Newcastle, not to recommend these current levels of proposed demolition."

Mr Mallon is refusing to be drawn into the dispute between members of the council's dominant party.

But the Labour group is standing by its decision to suspend its former leader.

Coun David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration, said Mr Walker was refusing to discuss the plans and claimed he was not representing the voice of the people of Gresham - that was merely his interpretation of events.

He said: "The main issue is that on three occasions we tried to talk to Ken about this situation but we have been simply ignored.

"That didn't leave the Labour group with any other option. We couldn't simply allow that situation to continue.

"It is unfortunate, but we are dealing with a massive project and we can't have that kind of dissenting voice in the Labour group.

"As for him representing the people of Gresham, that is merely his interpretation.

"We have done a survey in the town, which shows quite tremendous support for the work we are trying to do.

"What has brought this to a head is the fact he won't even talk about it."