UPDATE: September 1 - Since this article was published, Wiltshire Police have confirmed that George Paine has been released without charge following an investigation.

A COUNCILLOR has resigned from public office after being arrested on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.

George Paine, who formerly represented Tidworth Town Council, stepped down from his position as a public representative this week.

He was arrested on Saturday, February 20, following an allegation made against him to Wiltshire Police.

Mr Paine has not been charged.

A spokesman for the police said: “We have arrested a man in his 60s from Tidworth on suspicion of sexual communication with a child.

“He has been released on conditional bail while our enquiries continue.”

Mr Paine has been contacted for comment.

According to his biography on the council’s website, which has been taken down, Paine is a member of the Community Engagement Committee and is a full-time carer. 

Tidworth Town Council said it was first made aware of the allegation against him on February 20.

Cllr Mark Connolly, the Mayor of Tidworth, said: “Tidworth Town Council will assist the police in its investigation where it can.”

He said the councillor had been asked to resign.

You can read the full story in this week's paper. Also in this week’s edition:

  • An Andover man described as a “lethal weapon” at the time of his arrest has been given a suspended sentence after “turning his life around”.
  • A Rookswood pupil has been praised online after spreading a little bit of sunshine into the lives of Andover residents.
  • England’s coronavirus restrictions could finally be lifted by June 21 as part of a four-stage plan, Boris Johnson has announced as he declared “the end really is in sight”.
  • The landlady of the Foresters Arms and friends have set out to raise over £1000 by doing 100 squats every day throughout February.
  • Two sisters have been ordered to pay over £1,500 after being caught dumping waste in Test Valley.
  • Councillors have rejected plans for a controversial housing application in Andover over concerns about its impact on the local area.
  • A patch of land between Highlands Road and Winton Chase has caused tension among residents after disagreements over its use.
  • The councillor in charge of planning at Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has said it is facing the possibility of “hostile applications” if central government refuses to relax development laws.
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  • PICTURES: Andover's beautiful buildings
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  • Two pages of entertainment news
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