A CABINET member on Maidstone council has been suspended pending an investigation that could land him in court.

Cllr Hugh Laing, the Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for planning and transportation, was temporarily relieved of his duties this week, pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The move follows an allegation that Cllr Laing, who is ward councillor for Loose, was involved in an incident in which some of his neighbour's trees were either cut down or severely damaged without permission.

The allegation was made to the council by the neighbour concerned and centres on whether there has been a breach of planning policy. It is understood the neighbour claimed his trees were felled on Cllr Laing's instigation without his permission.

The affected trees, a willow and a coppiced hazel, are protected because they are in the Loose Valley Conservation Area.

Cllr Laing's own department has to give special permission for trees in the area to be felled or cutback, unless there are exceptional circumstances such as the trees are dead, dying, dangerous or a nuisance.

A council spokesman said: "The investigation will consider Cllr Laing's involvement, if any, with the lopping and felling of trees on land adjoining his property. If there appears to be a breach of the law the council could seek to have the felled trees replaced and prosecute the people responsible."

The council spokesman said the investigation would establish whether there were any grounds to prosecute.

Cllr Laing, of Salts Lane, Loose, has been on a cruise and was due to return home yesterday. It is understood he was not aware of the full details of the investigation.

The council's planning department, headed by deputy chief executive Trevor Gasson, is leading the inquiry and was due to start questioning Cllr Laing on his return.

It is understood that the police were initially involved in the incident, but there were no criminal charges.