FORMER Redditch Council Leader David Cartwright has dismissed calls for his resignation as a councillor after investigations into the charity he led called into question his financial integrity.

Mr Cartwright said he "had no intention of standing down from the council" following allegations by the Charity Commission about his financial control of Step Out Drop In, a charity which helped the homeless.

The failed charity went into liquidation with debts of about £380,000 and a subsequent report by the commission alleges Mr Cartwright made payments from the SODI bank account to himself.

It also claims he benefited through the lease of two cars, one of which was for his wife.

Last week, Conservative group leader Carole Gandy said Mr Cartwright should resign until the Standards Board had investigated the matter.

"As councillors, we have to be seen as whiter than white," she told the Advertiser.

"If an investigation by the Standards Board then exonerates David, that's fine."

But Mr Cartwright said: "I have done nothing wrong and I'd be more than happy - in fact I would be delighted - to appear before the Standards Board and I am not even a little bit concerned."

He added he was pursuing legal action against the Charity Commission's report and says he has evidence to back his case, which he has outlined in a letter to the Advertiser this week.

Mr Cartwright also writes: "It seems to have been forgotten that SODI existed for almost ten years during which time it helped hundreds of people and provided excellent service. The financial problems, which led to its closure, were through the sudden loss of contracts, which can sadly happen in all walks of life.

"While there were concerns about the way in which the charity was managed and governed which needed to be put right the quality of the service provided has never been questioned."

(Read his full response in the letters section).

Meanwhile, Mr Cartwright has been nominated as a possible trustee on the REDI Community Trust.

Mr Cartwright's name was put forward by the Labour group at Monday night's full council meeting.

The Conservative group put forward Councillor Antonia Pulsford.

A selection of candidates will be made from the nominations, which includes representatives from businesses and other organisations, to serve on an independent REDI Centre trust board.