A COUNCILLOR has been cleared of assaulting an Inverclyde Council traffic warden.

Innes Nelson of the SNP was reported to the procurator fiscal following an alleged incident in Cathcart Street, Greenock, on October 20 last year.

The 61-year-old was accused of assaulting a local authority warden, aged 49, after he was issued with a parking ticket.

Mr Nelson quit the local SNP group following the allegation until the issue was resolved.

The ward six councillor has confirmed that the matter is now at an end.

Mr Nelson, who lives in Inverkip, said: "The charge was dropped months ago."

The former Inverclyde Council SNP group leader, who has been a councillor since a by-election victory in 2009, has now rejoined the party and was out campaigning recently with local activists and MP Ronnie Cowan.

Following the allegation made against him, Mr Nelson said he was 'confident' of being found innocent of the charge.

He said he was stepping aside from the SNP until he was cleared of any wrongdoing and to avoid any distraction from the 'vital work' of the council.

Current group leader, Councillor Chris McEleny, said: "The charge was dropped months ago and Innes has continued to represent his constituents well."

Mr Nelson was re-elected to the council in May last year.

He was first over the line in his Inverclyde South West ward with almost a quarter of the votes cast.

As well as representing his constituency, Councillor Nelson is also vice-chair of the planning board and local review body.