Behind-closed-doors discussions were will be held today (Tuesday) into the conduct of a councillor after he admitted releasing newts from 'traps' in the Forest of Dean.
Andrew Gardiner said "I plucked out as many of the creatures as I could" from buckets which are being used to catch the amphibians ahead of the potential £100million development of Cinderford's Northern Quarter.
Part of site earmarked for the massive regeneration project has been fenced-off so great crested newts – a protected species – can be moved to new habitats.
Mr Gardiner (I, Lydbrook and Ruardean) objects to the regeneration plans and is among opponents who are calling for a public inquiry into what he describes as "unadulterated evil".
In a published letter, he said: "I unbolted the nuts holding the clamps supporting the high fencing and gained access, although only briefly because my colleagues had another appointment to attend. We witnessed miles of double buckets and felt reptile canopies – perhaps as many as 1,000. I plucked out as many of the creatures as I could from the traps. We also witnessed a small lizard desperately trying to get into the bucket trap.
"While we tried to drive it away, it appeared to be attracted to these traps, as if the sponges deposited in these traps had been scented."
His conduct was debated by members of Forest of Dean District Council standards committee at a meeting closed to the press and public this afternoon.
A council spokesman said: "The criminal matters have been reported to the police and we cannot comment further as this is a legal matter. In terms of Councillor Gardiner's conduct, this has been referred to the standards' committee whose decision will be made in due course."
Gloucestershire Police has received reports of several incidents of criminal damage at the Northern United site in Cinderford. The force would not confirm whether Mr Gardiner is accused of being responsible.
The Northern Quarter is targeted for the development of Gloucestershire College's new £15millioon Forest of Dean campus for 1,200 students, business premises, an access road and dozens of homes, which are hoped will create around 1,000 new jobs, if planning permission is granted.
The proposal will be debated at a planning meeting on October 24.
A Forest of Dean District Council spokesman said: "The meeting is scheduled for that date but obviously until the agenda goes out, it has not been confirmed."
