Councillor Gordon Beurskens arrested over alleged corruption in planning case

A COUNCILLOR has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged corruption.

Police have submitted reports on West Lothian councillor Gordon Beurskens and businessman Peter McMahon to the procurator fiscal.

Both men were arrested and charged yesterday over alleged offences under the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act.

Mr Beurskens, an independent who supports the SNP administration, allegedly attempted to push through a planning application in e-mails to officials.

He was reported to police by West Lothian Council chief executive Alex Linkston over his role in an 8 million proposal for a mixed development scheme at Whitrigg, Whitburn.

Mr Beurskens's register of interest states he has a ''ceased'' interest in the Whitrigg land.

However, it is alleged he was doubling up as a consultant for the firm driving the project, Aftondale Ltd, which is owned by Mr McMahon.

Mr Beurskens was elected to the council along with colleagues in the Action To Save St John's Hospital campaign and received a campaign donation from Land 4 Leisure, a firm that lists Mr McMahon as a director.

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "We can confirm that two men have been arrested and charged in relation to an inquiry into alleged offences under the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act.

''Reports will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in relation to the men, aged 60 and 47, who have addresses in West Lothian.''

A spokesman for West Lothian Council said: ''As this is a police matter, it is not appropriate to comment.''

Sources close to the council say Mr Beurskens could be reported to the Standards Commissioner, the watchdog that investigates complaints against councillors.