COUNCIL bosses have issued an apology after defamatory allegations were published about a councillor cleared of destroying protected trees near her home.

Sue White, councillor for Purleigh, and co-defendant Kenneth Paton, both of Nipsells Chase, were acquitted of five charges at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in May.

Maldon District Council brought the charges against the pair which related to contravention of a tree preservation order on August 8, 2015.

But the council has now forced to issue a statement and apology after comments were made on a planning application submitted by Miss White and Mr Paton.

The plans were for a detached bungalow on land north of Riversleigh in Nipsells Chase.

It is understood members of the public made comments relating to the court case, which were then published online by the council.

Miss White has since withdrawn the application, which had been recommended for refusal by planning officers.

It had been due to be decided at the south eastern area planning committee tonight.

In the statement Maldon District Council said: “For those of you who have been to this website before you may have seen some comments made by members of the public in connection with a proposed planning application made by Susan White and Kenneth Paton.

“It was suggested in these comments that Miss White and Mr Paton had cleared trees on their property illegally.

“This is untrue and it is important to emphasise that neither of them has been convicted of any criminal offences in connection with the clearing of trees on their property.

“We recognise that those allegations, and other defamatory allegations that were made by members of the public, were wrong and have given rise to considerable embarrassment and distress.

“The council therefore wishes to take this opportunity to clarify the situation to all those that read the statements and to make clear that the council rejects those allegations.

“The council expresses its sincere regret and apologises to Miss White and Mr Paton for any embarrassment or distress caused to them by our publication of these comments on our website.”

The Standard has contacted Ms White for comment.