MEMBERS of Marden Parish Council are endangering their positions by refusing to sign a new code of conduct. At their latest all eight councillors insisted they would not sign documents binding them to new Government proposals.

Councillors are required to sign two months after the proposals become law on May 26. If they carry this through, Marden could be left with just three councillors by July.

"It's an unbelievable document," said Cllr Peter Tipples. It's little short of an insult. It isn't of benefit to anyone and undermines the whole concept of the role of parish councils."

Tmpers flared at the meeting when councillors learnt they could be suspended or banned from office for five years if they did not keep to the strict new regulations.

Under the changes, each council must keep a register of interests declaring members' sources of income, directorships they hold, and businesses owned in the council area. These will be made available to the public.

The code also has a "whistleblower" policy, meaning that any councillor with suspicions over the truthfulness of his colleagues must report them to the national Standards Board, or face a penalty.

Vice chairman of the parish council, Cllr Graham Tippen, said that he was disappointed with the new code. He added: "Given the time and effort that that councillors give freely, it's terrible. They care about their village and the proposals are an insult to goodwill."

Clerk Heather Starinovich said: "Councillors were unanimous in refusing to sign the necessary documents. They think it's uneccessary, insulting and an intrusion into their private lives."