A LEADING councillor has apologised to Colchester’s High Steward after a row in the council chamber.

Sir Bob Russell raised concerns about funding for Colchester’s Citizen’s Advice service during the public session of a Colchester Council meeting.

In his speech he asked councillors to back an amendment proposed by Conservative members calling for funding to the borough’s group to be increased.

“Colchester Citizens’ Advice Bureau now only opens one day a week,” he said.

“It used to be five days, but the council’s progressive alliance administration has reduced funding to such an extent it has drastically cut its hours of opening.”

In response, Mike Lilley, the council’s communities, wellbeing and public safety boss, said some what Sir Bob had suggested was “not true”.

Mr Lilley said: “There is a misunderstanding on the fact it is only open one day because it is open other days just in other areas to help people out.”

Opposition member Dennis Willetts said a written response should be provided stating which facts were not true in Sir Bob’s speech before Mr Lilley quickly apologised for his comments

He said: “I do apologise to the High Steward if I accused him of that. I did not mean to.”

Mr Lilley has since emailed Sir Bob with a further apology, however, an official complaint has been submitted by another councillor.

A spokesperson for Colchester Council said: “A complaint about comments made during the full council meeting has been referred to the monitoring officer who is looking into the issue.

“During the discussions at full council, Mr Lilley provided a public apology if his words could have been misconstrued and we understand he has also written to the High Steward to apologise and clarify the situation.”

The amendment was rejected after an email from the charity bosses asking for it to be withdrawn was brought to light.