DARLINGTON Borough Council's legal services manager has denied his department's position has been compromised by a new partnership.

In February, the council announced a partnership with legal firms Dickinson Dees and Ward Hadaway.

But Dickinson Dees is representing Gary Orpen in his legal battle against Hurworth Parish Council - and the borough council is advising the parish council, which has led some residents to question the borough council's neutrality.

However, when the issue was raised at Hurworth Parish Council on Tuesday, Luke Swinhoe, legal services manager, said: "The partnership is effectively a panel for more complex legal work. It was an open procurement exercise, and that's how Dickinson Dees fit in.

"We don't have any obligation to give them work. It would be for very big projects, such as private finance initiatives - not run-of- the-mill work. There is no conflict of interest whatsoever."

Mr Swinhoe also quashed rumours he personally had been offered a job by Dickinson Dees.

"I have never been offered a job by them, and never sought employment with them," he said.