THE trial of former Dorset County Council leader Spencer Flower has been brought forward to March 23.

Cllr Flower will stand trial at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court where a district judge will hear evidence on three charges of failing to comply with the Localism Act.

The 72-year-old, of Aggis Farm, Verwood, is accused of failing to disclose an interest in Zebra Prop-erty Solutions Ltd to East Dorset District Council between July 1, 2012 and March 6, 2013, of failing to disclose an interest in Zebra Property Solutions Ltd to Dorset Council Council between the same dates and 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.

He has submitted not guilty pleas to all three charges.

Cllr Flower resigned from his position as leader of Dorset County Council last December but continues to serve as both a county councillor and an East Dorset district councillor.