A Dumfries councillor is calling for a public apology over “disgusting bribery” allegations made against him on social media.
Education chairman Jeff Leaver is furious at a remark attributed to Dumfries businessman Niall Cowan (below left) on new Facebook forum The Echo.
And he has warned that he will take legal action over a comment asking if he benefited financially from a council development known as The Bridge.
Mr Leaver, right, said: “I am incensed by this. I never would consider taking a bribe and to be accused on an open forum of doing it, I am really annoyed by that.
“I will be taking it up with the council’s legal team. I have offered to meet with Mr Cowan directly, I have sent him an email. I will speak to him on the phone or meet him face to face to discuss his disgusting allegations.”
Mr Leaver was alerted to the comment relating to The Bridge yesterday morning.
He said: “He (Mr Cowan) chipped in and wondered if my bank account may have benefited from the process which, as far as I’m concerned, suggests I have been taking bribes.
“It’s come as a shock. I have always tried to be honest in my dealings. I have never done anything corrupt.”
Mr Leaver added: “I am going to take this further. It’s a slur and, at the very least, he needs to apologise.
“If he does not apologise, I will be taking legal action. It’s unacceptable that people think they can get away with this on social media.”
Mr Leaver’s wife, Elaine Murray, the council leader, posted a response to Mr Cowan on The Echo site.
She said: “Better be careful what you are saying — that is libel and will be passed to legal services.”
Mr Cowan hit back online: “Very keen to respond on here with what some may see as a threat. I wish you would respond with the same speed regarding the email I sent you about the rubbish bags in the Vennel.”
The Standard was unable to contact Mr Cowan for comment yesterday.
Former councillor John Dowson, who set up The Echo, said: “The main thing we do is ask people who join the group to respect each other and not get into this kind of thing.”
