police have refused to get involved in the row between councillors and campaigners opposing plans to sell off playing fields in Basildon.

Deputy council leader, Stephen Horgan, reported campaigner Phil Jacobs, to the police over comments made to him during a private meeting a fortnight ago.

Mr Jacobs, 53, of Grapnells, Vange, is fighting to save playing fields off Kent View Road, Vange.

Mr Horgan complained to police the campaigner had warned if the council did not drop its plans to sell the site to developers, his group would ensure the ruling Tory administration was voted out of office.

Police have since confirmed they will take no action, as they do not feel a criminal offence was committed.

Mr Horgan went to the police after Mr Jacobs lodged a complaint about his behaviour to the local government ombudsman.

Mr Jacobs claimed Mr Horgan lost his temper, banged his hand on the table, shouted at him and stormed out of a private meeting.

Mr Horgan claimed: “What we had here was a mixture of bribery and threats. It was a case of you do this, or we do that.

“I admit I got angry and left the room. I’m astonished someone who did what he did would take this forward.

“I slapped the table immediately after he told me I was talking rubbish. I think that was justified.”

Mr Jacobs has also lodged an official complaint against councillor responsible for finance, Phil Turner, for telling someone to “shut up” at a council meeting.

The man had heckled Mr Turner at special council meeting called on the playing field issue and held in the Towngate Theatre, Basildon.

A police spokesman said: “Police were contacted at 10.50am on the Wednesday with a report of concern regarding comments made at a recent council meeting.

“An officer spoke with the informant and advised him the actions to date did not constitute a criminal offence.

“He did, however, advise the complainant to contact police should anyone become hostile in future.”

Mr Jacobs was unavailable for comment.