THE leader of Christchurch council has apologised after causing “embarrassment and distress” to a local businessman.

Druitt Hall benefactor Dr Alistair Somerville Ford launched legal action against Cllr Ray Nottage, after the Purewell and Stanpit ward councillor wrote a blog post in January this year, questioning Dr Somerville-Ford’s intentions over the community facility.

Due to the content of the blog post, Dr Somerville Ford, who is working with the Druitt Hall Association to fund a new hall, while keeping the old one running, requested an apology from the leader of the council.

However, the deadline passed for the apology, leading to legal proceedings being started in February.

And last Friday, a blog post entitled: “This blog is copywrite protected” was published by Cllr Nottage accepting the allegations were unfounded.

In his published statement, he said: “In the course of my posting I referred to an unnamed person who had put themselves forward as the financier for those who wished to retain the status quo.

“Readers may have understood me to be alleging, by reference to a newspaper article I had read, that Dr Alistair Somerville Ford was pursuing a personal agenda which was inconsistent with the objectives of the community campaign, and that he was to be suspected of seeking personal gain at the expense of the community.

“I accept that these allegations are unfounded.”

He added: “Dr Alistair Francis Somerville Ford was caused embarrassment and distress and I wish to take the opportunity to clarify the position to all those who read that blog and to withdraw the allegations unreservedly.

“I express my sincere regret and apologies to Dr Somerville Ford.”

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Cllr Nottage declined to comment any further on the incident.

Dr Somerville Ford said: “Whilst I understand that the leader of Christchurch Borough Council may not appreciate having his decisions questioned or challenged, he should remember that he has a duty to listen to the wishes of the community he serves.”

Dr Somerville Ford added: “Personal attacks on those who support and wish to protect the interests of any local community should never be tolerated.”