Former deputy mayor of Hamilton Bill Black is suing the Bermuda Broadcasting Company over an allegedly slanderous story about him.

A writ was filed at the Supreme Court earlier this month over television and radio reports broadcast on June 11 and 12.

The Royal Gazette understands that Mr. Black took exception to certain comments about alderman David Dunkley being attributed to him.

We cannot report the words in question due to the nature of the legal action.

Mr. Black is seeking unspecified damages from the BBC as the owners of ZBM and ZFB, which broadcast the reports.

He and his lawyer, Alan Dunch of Mello Jones and Martin, have declined to comment on the case. Lawyer Mark Pettingill, who is representing the BBC, said: "It will be fully defended".

No court date has yet been set in the matter, which comes after months of publicity about disputes and resignations at the Corporation of Hamilton.

Mr. Black was demoted from his position as deputy mayor in March, after he questioned the eligibility of councillor Graeme Outerbridge and Mr. Dunkley to serve.

He was removed from the post of alderman in July over what the Corporation described as defects in his registration on the voters' list.

His ousting came hot on the heels of councillor Carvel VanPutten being kicked off the Corporation for failing to attend meetings for three months.

Prior to that, Mr. Outerbridge resigned following the complaint by Mr. Black about his registration details. He re-registered and stood for election, but lost.

That same complaint from Mr. Black led to Mr. Dunkley being told he was ineligible to serve – a decision he is appealing.

Councillor George Grundmuller resigned his seat in February for business reasons. Secretary Kelly Miller stepped down in July after reports of dissatisfaction with her management style.