Three Welshpool councillors referred to ombudsman after Royal British Legion complaint

Estelle Bleivas, Heather Chave and Hazel Evans could face an investigation following an assessment of the complaint.

It has been claimed the trio, who all serve on Welshpool Town council, have broken the authority's code of conduct.

The complaint to the ombudsman stems from a meeting of the Welshpool branch of the Royal British Legion in November.

Accusations of "disgraceful behaviour" were made following the meeting, which had been organised for the annual Poppy Appeal presentation.

A Public Services Ombudsman for Wales spokesman said: "I can confirm the Ombudsman has received a complaint against three Welshpool town councillors – Councillor Estelle Bleivas, Councillor Heather Chave and Councillor Hazel Evans – concerning whether they have breached the council's code of conduct.

"The complaint will now be assessed before a decision is taken on whether the matter should be investigated."

None of the councillors nor the RBL club were available for comment.

Last month Welshpool Town Council recent a complaint from the Welshpool branch of the legion which asked for three councillors to be investigated over what was described as disgraceful behaviour towards members of the RBL at a presentation of the money raised by the branch's annual Poppy Appeal.

A letter to the Shropshire Star also claimed that comments were made which offended members at the meeting.

At the time council clerk Robert Robertson said: "I have received a letter from the RBL and the council is dealing with it in the usual way."

The Welshpool branch of the Royal British Legion enjoyed a record fundraising campaign in 2015.

Officials announced they were handing over £14,430 to the Royal British Legion following the Poppy Appeal and other fundraising events.

Alan Williams, branch vice chairman, thanked the people of Welshpool at the time for being so generous.