A Corporation of Hamilton Alderman who sparked an inquiry into the eligibility of two other members to serve has criticised the fact that no conclusion has been reached, almost six months on.

Bill Black has threatened legal action if his complaint alleging that Alderman David Dunkley and Common Councillor Graeme Outerbridge are not genuine "beneficial occupants" of a property in the City, and therefore not allowed to vote or stand for office, is not resolved to his satisfaction.

He also called for their resignation and that of Corporation Secretary Kelly Miller, who is responsible for handling the investigation.

Mr. Black claims members of the Corporation turned on him after he refused to withdraw the complaint that he filed at the end of last year, resulting in him being demoted in March from his position as Deputy Mayor.

Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Kelly Miller has sought legal advice on his allegations regarding Mr. Dunkley and Mr. Outerbridge, who contest the claim.

However, Mr. Black said he has heard nothing about a conclusion, telling The Royal Gazette: "I've not got a satisfactory answer at all and it should not have taken six months.

"The best way that it can be solved is for both of them to stand down as far as I'm concerned. Quite a few taxpayers in the City of Hamilton know that these two people are not properly qualified to be on the Corporation.

"They don't live in the city, don't pay taxes in the city, as far as I'm concerned they are not qualified. They should not be there making recommendations for how the Corporation's money should be spent when they're not taxpayers."

The Municipalities Act 1923, which governs the running of the Corporation, allows anyone aggrieved by a decision of the secretary regarding entries in the municipal register of voters to appeal to a magistrate. Mr. Black said this was an option he may pursue.

"We have to get things right at the Corporation of Hamilton. They're not correct and I think Kelly Miller should step down," he said, explaining that he holds this view due to the delay in resolving his complaint and because he believes Ms Miller is not running the Corporation "the way it should be run".

"I want things running properly... I've got nothing against these two individuals (Mr. Outerbridge and Mr. Dunkley) but things are not right," he said.

Mr. Black, who was due to return from an overseas trip yesterday, added: "I hope I return to see the report there from Kelly Miller telling me the results."

Mr. Outerbridge declined to comment on the situation yesterday, saying it would be "unprofessional" for him to do so. Mr. Dunkley said he was in a meeting and unable to talk.

Ms Miller said last night: "With regards to Mr. Black's comments, I met with him on May 27 just before he left the Island on vacation and none of these issues were raised.

"It is my responsibility, not Mr. Black's, to make a determination regarding his objection and I will be doing so shortly."