A COUNCILLOR is facing a formal investigation over alleged mistreatment of colleagues and members of the public.

An official complaint against Robert Bleakley is being investigated by Wigan Council's standards committee.

Tyldesley-based Cllr Bleakley, who represents Hindsford ward, said he was "astonished" by the allegation.

He denied the charge and claims he had no idea his treatment of others was being questioned.

He thought he was being accused of leaking information to a journalist.

Lord Smith, leader of the council, said an informal meeting was held last week to resolve the complaint, but Cllr Bleakley did not attend.

He said: "The allegation is over the way he has treated people on a number of occasions when it is alleged he lost control.

"I do not know if that is true or not.

"We had hoped to resolve this complaint in an informal and amicable way without having to go through the formality of the standards committee.

"I do not know why he decided not to come.

"Maybe he feels he is under some kind of pressure.

"Councillors are expected to maintain a certain standard of behaviour and the standards committee will investigate whether Cllr Bleakley's conduct has fallen short of this."

Lord Smith denied any suggestion that it was a conspiracy to discredit an opposition councillor.

Cllr Bleakley said: "I have a very good reputation in my ward. I decided not to go to the meeting after taking advice from legal people."