TWO of the three charges against former Dorset County Council leader Spencer Flower have been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

But his trial before a District Judge at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court, due to be held on Monday March 23, will continue to examine the remaining allegation. He has pleaded not guilty.

Cllr Flower, 72, of Aggis Farm, Verwood, is accused of failing to declare an interest in Synergy Housing prior to the meeting to discuss the East Dorset core strategy and by participating and voting in that meeting. The charge has been brought under the Localism Act.

Allegations that he failed to disclose an interest in Zebra Property Solutions Ltd to East Dorset Council and to Dorset County Council between July 1 2012 and March 6 2013 have been dropped. Cllr Flower resigned from his position as leader of Dorset County Council last December but continues to serve as a county councillor, representing Verwood and Three Legged Cross, and as an East Dorset district councillor.

The charge is believed to be one of the first under the Localism Act and carries a maximum penalty of a £5,000 fine and disqualification from public office for up to five years.