Test Valley Conservatives have been accused of 'cowing away' from joining calls for the resignation of a law-breaking councillor.

Ampfield and Braishfield councillor Martin Hatley was prosecuted by his own authority in September.

He breached a notice ordering him to remove building materials, goods and 20ft storage containers – leading to a criminal conviction and £1,000 fine.

Opposition Liberal Democrats have since continued their campaign to pile the pressure on Cllr Hatley – a former mayor and vice-chairman of the planning committee - to resign.

In an effort to show a united front, David Hall, chair of Test Valley Liberal Democrats had tried to rally the local Conservative Party to join them in demanding Cllr Hatley's exit.

He said residents should be allowed to choose a 'more appropriate' representative in a by-election.

However, deputy council leader Nick Adams-King responded by saying: “Whether he resigns as a councillor or not is a matter for him (Cllr Hatley).

"Considering there are scheduled elections in May next year, it is our view that the cost of a by-election (around £6,000 or more) would be better spent on helping our residents through these challenging times."

However, Neil Gwynne, Liberal Democrat councillor for the neighbouring Cupernham ward, accused Tories of 'shrugging off' their request in a play for time.

He said: "We asked for the support of the Conservatives in ensuring that Councillor Hatley steps down.

"By-elections do not take place if a seat becomes vacant six months or less before a scheduled election but it is now over a month since Martin Hatley was found guilty.

"The Conservatives are just running down the clock, to ensure they do not have to face an election against the current unfavourable backdrop. They are putting the interests of their party before the interests of residents. 

“Cllr Hatley has let himself, his party and the residents of Test Valley down. He must now do the decent thing and resign with immediate effect and allow the people of Ampfield & Braishfield the opportunity to choose their representative in a by-election.”

As reported, Cllr Hatley and Trevor Hatley, 74, of Baddesley Road, flouted the TVBC notice issued in July 2020 relating to a breach of planning control at land at Wheelhouse Park, North Baddesley.

The council issued a press notice on the prosecution but failed to include the defendants’ full names or indicate Cllr Hatley was a serving member of the authority.

Cllr Hatley previously said he was "very sorry".