A TOWN and district councillor has been accused of "disgraceful" and "ungentlemanly" behaviour after he confronted a fellow councillor at The Battle Of Britain ceremony.
At Tuesday's Princes Risborough Town Council meeting councillors talked about a confrontation between cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown and cllr Wally Woolf at the ceremony in High Wycombe on September 16.
It was reported cllr Bendyshe-Brown questioned cllr Woolf on why he was wearing the mayor's chain, when he was neither Mayor of Princes Risborough (Gary Hall) or deputy mayor (Alan Turner).
He attended on behalf of the town council as cllr Hall and cllr Turner could not attend.
Cllr Bendyshe-Brown was not present at Tuesday's meeting but there was an agenda item from the cllr, to discuss and decide on the protocol of wearing the mayor's chain.
Before the discussion got under way Cllr Hall said: "Month after month there is some silly scandal that comes out. We get talked about. I think it makes us look ridiculous. I would like to think we could have a discussion now instead of writing next week's papers."
Cllr Turner said it was his understanding if the chairman and deputy chairman are unable to attend then another councillor can wear the chain at that event but he said they do need to agree on a procedure.
Cllr Turner said: "I do not believe cllr Woolf should have been subjected to the treatment he received from cllr Bendyshe- Brown."
He said it was "absolutely disgraceful behaviour."
Most members of the council said they believe the chain should only be worn by the mayor.
Cllr Woolf said when the incident happened he spoke to WDC leader, Alex Collingwood, who asked cllr Woolf if he had a duty badge. When he said no, cllr Woolf said the leader was happy with the situation.
Cllr Reg Orsler: "Like most people around the table I would not support three Bs action at all. It is completely ungentlemanly..."
Cllr Woolf said he has made formal complaints.
Cllr Hall said it was regrettable Cllr Bendyshe-Brown was not there to answer himself but said he insisted it was on the agenda.
It was agreed only the mayor should wear the chain and they should look into the option of getting something for a representative if the mayor cannot attend.
Wycombe District Council spokesman Catherine Spalton said: "We are aware of this particular situation, but hope that both parties involved can come to a satisfactory local resolution, without the need for a formal standards complaint being made."
Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown has not yet responded to the Bucks Free Press' request for a comment.
Updated: 01/10/12: Cllr Bendyshe-Brown, who has been on holiday, said he went up to Cllr Woolf at the reception and pulled him to one side and said he should not be wearing the chain, because he was not entitled to wear it.
He added: "There was no haranguing or anything like that. I quietly pulled him aside and said, 'Wally, you should not be wearing that. I suggest you take it off now."
