RIVALRY and arguments between two community groups in North Dorset has led to suggestions that the town councillors central to the problem should step out of the public eye for several years.

An independent report into community planning across the county refers to "the Shaftesbury situation" and the "factions" involved in the split which it says is causing anxiety locally and hindering schemes that would benefit residents.

The split has occurred between the Shaftesbury District Task Force with Cllr Lester Dibben its chairman, and the Swans Trust with Cllr Richard Thomas who helped set it up and is a key figure.

"In our view there is only one way to make any significant progress," said independent consultant Jeff Bishop of BDOR Ltd.

"That would be for the two key people and perhaps some of their factions, if they really have the interests of Shaftesbury at heart, to distance themselves from any direct involvement in local affairs for some time, which might be one year, it might be two or more."

Cllr Thomas said: "The report suggests that I and Cllr Dibben consider our public posi-tions for the greater good of Shaftesbury and I have already told the council that I am prepared to do so, including undergoing mediation if necessary in an effort to resolve the differences between us.

"But in the meantime my position remains that the task force is the antithesis of all things democratic."

Cllr Dibben says he's not the problem. "There's only one faction and it's run by Mr Thomas," he said.

"And you cannot ask ele-cted people to stand down. What would you say to the people who elected me?"

Hilary Ritchie, from North Dorset District Council, said: "We are aware that there's a sensitive issue in Shaftesbury as outlined in the report.

"It concerns local representatives and needs to be resolved for the benefit of Shaftesbury and the whole community."