Witney's mayor and another town councillor have been cleared of accusations of bullying, misuse of public money and bringing the council into disrepute.

The Standards Board investigated the claims made by former town clerk Pat Nevins against mayor Chrissie Curry and her partner and fellow councillor David Harvey.

It brings to an end a period of resignations, claims and counter-claims, and a vote of no confidence.

Two town councillors, Paul Slamin and David Nicholson, quit the council following a failed vote of no confidence in Ms Curry and Mr Harvey.

Mr Slamin, termed the furore "Witneygate" - a reference to the Watergate scandal in America in the 1970s.

The local government watchdog released its findings this week after interviewing councillors and staff earlier in the summer.

Ms Curry said she was pleased and relieved to have "total vindication and clearance" from the inquiry.

She said: "Our actions throughout this whole distasteful affair have been with the prime consideration and welfare of the council's staff in mind and to uphold the code of conduct."

Mr Harvey is chairman of the town council's policy and finance committee.

He is also a member of West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet.

He said: "I'm delighted that the Standards Board has decided there is no case to answer and that the allegations were purely vexatious.

"This is the same view that was expressed by the voters of Witney in May when both of us were re-elected and, tellingly, Mr Slamin and Mr Nicholson were not.

"I do regret the waste of time and taxpayers' money that has been incurred by Mrs Nevins' actions."

The troubles at the town hall began in November last year when Ms Curry and Mr Harvey said "several members of staff complained to the mayor of being bullied" by Mrs Nevins.

She took over as town clerk on November 1.

Soon afterwards the town council was investigating charges of gross misconduct against her.

In February 2007 she resigned and made a complaint to the Standards Board.

Mr Slamin and Mr Nicholson stood for election back on to the council in May but were both defeated at the polls.

Mr Slamin has been unavailable for comment because he is currently working abroad.

Mr Nicholson said: "I have no wish to comment on the results of the inquiry.

"Even so, I am pleased that at last a decision has been announced."

Mrs Nevins is now town clerk at Letchworth Garden City, in Hertfordshire. She said yesterday she could not comment on the Standards Board's findings.