Two Falkirk councillors charged over '˜planning concerns'

Labour’s John McLuckie, depute convener of the council’s planning committee, Tory James Kerr, who is a member of the planning committee, and a third man were charged on Wednesday.

Police Scotland said it followed an investigation by the force’s Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit.

The two councillors, who both represent the Upper Braes ward, have also been suspended by their parties.

Mr McLuckie has been a councillor since 2007, while Mr Kerr was elected last year.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Three men have been charged following an investigation by the Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit into planning concerns raised in Falkirk.

“The men, aged 50, 55 and 63 were charged on September 19 and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

A spokesman for Falkirk Council said: “We have been made aware of this matter. We cannot make any comment at this time.”