A Labour electoral ward has taken the unusual step of suspending itself amid problems involving a councillor and two of its members.

Queensbury Ward members voted to suspend activities following the resignation of chairman Richard Price.

A spokesman for the regional Labour Party said today that the vote had been taken because local feeling was running high.

Selection of a candidate for the next Council elections in May will now have to be made by the Bradford South Labour Party executive.

The suspension comes after ward councillor Jack Womersley said he would step down next May because of the pressure of public life.

Coun Womersley says he became unwittingly caught up in a long-standing neighbours' row between millionaire John Steel and George and Margaret Riseborough.

The dispute is over an area of green belt between two luxury houses which has been developed as a nature reserve by Mr Steel.

Coun Womersley, who has been exonerated of any blame by a party inquiry, says the Riseboroughs sent numerous letters to the Council, Labour Party and Prime Minister alleging planning irregularities.

Bradford South constituency is asking national officers to expel the Riseboroughs for bringing the party into disrepute. The expulsion call will be considered in January.

Constituency chairman Councillor Susan Dewdney said three people, including Mr and Mrs Riseborough, voted against the suspension of ward business.

She said: "This decision is a very rare step for a branch to take. People are sickened and sad about what is happening here."

The Riseboroughs were unavailable for comment.

Mr Price said he had worked with Queensbury Labour Party for 20 years but felt that in the circumstances he could not continue.

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