A VETERAN councillor and former town hall chairman has been quizzed by police over corruption allegations.

Peter Balbirnie was arrested at his home in Great Bentley and questioned over allegations of “historical” offences believed to date back almost 20 years.

Tendring First district councillor Mr Balbirnie, who also serves on Great Bentley, Little Clacton and Weeley parish councils, was later bailed.

Police spokesman Nicola Bastendorff said: “A man was arrested on Thursday morning in connection with an allegation of financial irregularities at Tendring Council.

“Police arrested the man at his home in the Clacton area on suspicion of soliciting a gift as a member of a public body in accordance with the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889.

“The investigation is centred around historical offences. The man has been released on police bail pending further inquiries until October 1.”

Police refused to reveal any further details about the nature of the allegations.

Mr Balbirnie, 64, of Larkfield Road, told the Gazette he was unable to comment until he had spoken with his solicitor.

Tendring First leader David Lines said he was “completely astonished” at the news.

He said: “If Peter has done something wrong, clearly he will have to accept responsibility for his actions, no matter how long ago, but in fairness to Peter, I shall wait until I hear the full story from him.”

The Conservatives seized power of Tendring Council last month after Mr Balbirnie was suspended for three months for swearing at planning officers.

Council spokesman Damien Williams said they would co-operate fully with the police if required, but declined to comment further.

Mr Balbirnie was first elected 28 years ago when he represented St Osyth.

He was council chairman two years ago and is also chairman of Clacton’s Shopmobility scheme as well as being a well-known charity fundraiser.

His council webpage says: “Whatever Peter has done and will do in the future is with the aim of putting the people of Tendring first.”

Mr Balbirnie switched political sides in 1987 to become a Conservative, saying his belief in capital and corporal punishment meant he could no longer stay a member of the Liberal Party.

He joined Tendring First two years ago after being expelled from the Conservative Party after a bitter split in the Tory ranks.

Police launched an investigation in 2003 after allegations against Mr Balbirnie in a publication called Tendring Natters.

He strenuously denied claims he had put developers’ interests before those of the community and called his anonymous accuser a coward.

Detectives later ruled out pursuing a criminal investigation of the councillor because there was no evidential substance, but said the file would be kept open.