A leading councillor has received a personal apology over claims that he knew in advance parking meters would be vandalised.

The apology comes after Paul Elgood, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Brighton and Hove City Council, was sent an email by lead councillor for transport Dr Alison Hermitage.

In it she reminded Coun Elgood he had spoken to her about action by traders and residents against Hove's new parking scheme.

She pointed out this was before the meters were damaged and suggested this implied an "element of collusion" on Coun Elgood's part.

Coun Elgood immediately issued a statement denying any prior knowledge of the vandalism.

He said he would immediately have informed the police had he known the meters were to be damaged.

Three new solar parking meters were damaged in the Eaton Villas and Blatchington Road area on July 11.

Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and the council has launched its own inquiry.

Coun Hermitage told our reporter on Saturday that she regretted any suggestion Coun Elgood had been involved in collusion. She apologised and admitted collusion was too strong a word to have used.

She has now sent Coun Elgood a personal apology.

She wrote: "I apologise unreservedly for any implication that you were personally to blame about the recent acts of vandalism.

"The Argus printed my apology with your piece. I also hope you can support the basic ideas behind what I was, clumsily, trying to say about issues on our personal safety and that of our staff."

Coun Elgood said: "I am grateful to Coun Hermitage for her unreserved apology and the confirmation I have had no role in the destruction of parking meters.

"I am also grateful to the fellow councillors, residents and businesses who have offered me their support."