The mayor of a Worcestershire town has been cleared of bullying allegations.

Pershore town councillor Matthew Winfield is delighted after being found not to have breached the council’s code of conduct.

A report by Wychavon District Council’s monitoring officer said there had been a “clear breach” and recommended he write a formal apology to the complainant and attend relevant training.

However, it is understood that at a special meeting of Wychavon’s Member Conduct Committee, councillor Winfield was cleared.

“I'm very pleased with the unanimous decision of the cross-party Member Conduct Committee who have found that I was not in breach of the Code of Conduct.

“I am not a bully, and I have never sought to intimidate anyone.

“I love Pershore and have tried to serve it to the best of my ability, but I have found that virtually impossible as a consequence of this horrendous ordeal, which is finally over after ten, long months.”

Councillor Elizabeth Eyre, chair of the Wychavon District Council Member Conduct Committee, confirmed that a special hearing was held on Monday, April 17.

She added: “I can confirm that after listening to all the evidence a unanimous decision was reached and communicated verbally.

“I can confirm that this decision will be communicated to all parties in writing by close of play latest Wednesday (April 19) 5pm.”