Demands that two councillors should be disciplined for breaking council rules have been dropped after one of them died.

Tories on the Vale of White Horse district council were angered when a letter on council headed notepaper was circulated in Wootton and Dry Sandford.

The letter, giving details of a new waste recycling scheme, was signed by Liberal Democrat district councillors Tony Slade and Gina Birch.

The Tories said the letter failed to mention they also supported the idea and accused the Liberal Democrats of "a blatant political misuse of council funds".

But Mr Stock has since died.

Council chief executive Terry Stock is now writing to all councillors reminding them of the rules when issuing documents under the council's name. New guidelines will be suggested.

Terry Cox, leader of the Tories on the district council, said: "In view of the death of Mr Slade, I do not find it appropriate to pursue my objection further. I do however welcome the fact that my complaint will lead to clarification being given to councillors."

Paul Bizzell, leader of the ruling Liberal Democrats, said: "While there may have been some technical breach, there are some ambiguities in standing orders and the officers are to draw up a report to clarify certain areas."

When the row broke out last month, Mr Slade admitted there had been a "minor technical breach of the rules" but accused the Tories of over-reacting to a genuine mistake.