Conservative councillor Max Drury, 60, of Clifford Drive, Lache Lane, Chester, denied harassment at a brief appearance at Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston magistrates court.

During a 15-minute hearing in front of District Judge Nicholas Sanders Drury pleaded not guilty to harassing James and Joanne Meadows between February 25 and March 1.

A trial, expected to take a day, was set for July 31, to be presided over by Judge Saunders.

Drury struggled to hear because of an impairment and had to ask solicitors to repeat what they were saying.

When the trial date was being organised, Drury said: "I do not wish to inconvenience anybody but I'm worried about it."

Judge Sanders said he would take on the case because he did not know Drury as a councillor.

The judge said he lived in East Cheshire and would not have any prejudice towards the case.

Drury, who represents Curzon and Westminster ward on Chester City Council and was elected on May 1 to represent Overleigh divisional ward on the new Cheshire West and Chester Shadow Unitary Council, owns Chester Mobility Ltd, based on the Sealand Industrial Estate, which provides aids for disabled people.

Witnesses called for the trial include two workers from the company, Ken and Peter Griffin, James and Joanne Meadows and two police officers.

Drury was granted bail on the condition he does not communicate with or contact James or Joanne Meadows unless it is by way of an accountant or solicitor.

He was also told not to go to Longfield Avenue, Upton.