A LABOUR councillor, who was in danger of losing his borough council seat because of non-attendance at meetings, has returned to the fold.

Darren Pilling, Labour member for the Poplars ward, had until Friday, January 12, to attend a committee meeting or he would have been forced to stand down. He beat the deadline by just two days, turning up at last Wednesday's development control committee.

Clr Pilling was questioned by police last year over allegations of misuse of the Internet in relation to indecent photographs, but the case was dropped because of insufficient evidence. No charges were ever made against him.

At the time of Clr Pilling's questioning, Clr Mike Hughes, Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council, told the GUARDIAN that Clr Pilling had temporarily stood down from his committees.

This week, the council's chief executive Steven Broomhead said that as far as the legalities were concerned, Clr Pilling would remain as an elected member and would continue to receive the expenses he was entitled to.

"The official position is that Clr Pilling has attended a council meeting, therefore he remains a full and proper member of this council," Mr Broomhead said.

"My understanding is that he is still fulfilling his duties, receiving mail and carrying out surgeries."

Clr Pilling was not available for comment.