TWO councillors have temporarily stood down from their party while a police investigation continues.

Cllr Bob Bibby and Cllr Jim Taylor, both Conservatives, had been arrested after a dawn raid on their Bacup home last week..

Police are investigating allegations of bribery and corruption related to a planning application handled by Bury Council.

They also arrested three other men, but no charges have been laid and all five men men have been bailed until a date in April.

At the time of the application — for 200 homes in Radcliffe — Cllr Bibby was leader of Bury Council.

Cllr Bibby said: “I want to be clear that this is a voluntary measure.

“We have to make sure that the Conservatives can serve the people of Bury without anything overshadowing their efforts.”