CAERPHILLY council's Labour group has hit back at Plaid Cymru group leader Colin Mann's criticism over the ongoing senior officers case internal investigation.

Councillor Mann withdrew a motion of no confidence in council leader Keith Reynolds over the handling of the three officers' - Daniel Perkins, Nigel Barnett and Anthony O'Sullivan - case earlier this week, at the request of the council's interim chief executive.

Councillor Mann told the Argus this was because it would have led to public discussions of the case that might have prejudiced ongoing investigations.

Councillor Reynolds said he is "very disappointed" the motion of no confidence has been withdrawn.

"If it had been heard, this would have given us an opportunity to refute councillor Mann's distortions," said councillor Reynolds.

"He seems to be prepared to sully the reputations of two of his fellow Plaid councillors who, together with their fellow investigation and disciplinary committee members, took the decision to convert the officers' suspension to special leave, on the advice of a QC.

"They should be commended for maintaining that committee's confidentiality. I too am bound by the same confidentiality, to ensure that the investigation is not compromised and its integrity is preserved.

"Councillor Mann and his Nationalists are well aware of this need for confidentiality. Shame on him for seeking to condemn conscientious councillors who are trying to do the right thing - by their investigation, our council, and Caerphilly county borough residents."

Councillor Mann had admitted to the Argus that he would have been "surprised" if the motion had been successful, but maintained it was drawn up due to concern over the changed status of the trio, from 'suspended' to 'special paid leave' in March - which he said was not reported to all councillors as well as being "unhappy" about the time it has taken to resolve the matter.

However, it was only after a 90 minute meeting between Councillor Mann and CCBC acting chief executive Chris Burns that the motion was withdrawn for fear of 'prejudicing' the legal case against the three offices

The suspensions - on full pay in 2013 following accusations of misconduct - were lifted last year and periods of special paid leave granted instead, amid claims that the suspensions were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Independent councillors, including Blackwood members Nigel Dix and Allan Reese had expressed that they would have supported such a motion as "the public needs to see that those involved, which is costing the taxpayers millions, are held to account and we fear it may harm the publics faith in local government."