THE stress caused by a year-long investigation into allegations of impropriety made Jane Bramwell quit Chesham Town Council.

Cllr Bramwell, who represented St Mary's and Waterside, said the last year has been hell for her and her husband, who was also caught up in the investigation.

Problems arose when Cllr Bramwell (Lib Dem) attended the town council's Recreation and Arts Committee meeting on June 6, last year. The finances and board of the council-run Elgiva Theatre were discussed.

Her colleague, Cllr Elaine Bamford, subsequently raised questions over her personal interests because her husband, Michael Brand, sits on the board.

Cllr Bamford (Con, Hilltop) referred the matter to the Standards Board for England, who monitor councillors' actions. It was then sent back to Chiltern District Council's monitoring officer and finally decided upon on July 4, this year.

Cllr Bramwell, who was barred from speaking out until a final decision was made, said: "I could not even discuss this with my husband. It was a horrible situation."

She added: "I am now on anti-depressants which I was not before. It has been a considerable strain.

"It all got too much for me and I resigned."

A breach was confirmed at a meeting of Chiltern District Council's Standards Committee but members decided not to take any further action.

The committee concluded: "Following detailed consideration of the issues it was the decision of the committee that Cllr Bramwell had a personal interest because her husband was a member of the board and a decision on the matter had the potential to affect and did affect his well-being' more than other council tax payers or inhabitants of the area."

The committee also recommended that Chesham Town Council carry out further "awareness training" for members of officers on how to live by the code of conduct.

Cllr Bramwell still represents St Mary's and Waterside on the district council.