TWO Falkirk councillors have been charged by police following a probe into "planning concerns".
Labour's John McLuckie, depute convener of the council's planning committee, and Tory councillor James Kerr, a member of the planning committee, were both charged yesterday, along with a third man.
It came after an investigation by Police Scotland's Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit.
The two councillors both represent the Upper Braes ward and declare the same Masonic Lodge in their register of interests, according to The Herald.
They have been suspended by their respective parties.
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: "Councillor John McLuckie has been suspended from the Labour Party."
A Scottish Conservative spokesman said: “Councillor Kerr has been suspended subject to the outcome of the investigation.”
McLuckie has been a councillor for more than a decade. Kerr, a former member of the Labour party, was elected last year.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Three men have been charged following an investigation by the Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit into planning concerns raised in Falkirk.
“The men, aged 50, 55 and 63 were charged on 19th September and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
A spokesman for Falkirk Council said: “We have been made aware of this matter. We cannot make any comment at this time.”
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