A multi-agency partnership promoting Beverley says there is "no requirement" to check the business backgrounds of its members.

Beverley Renaissance was formed four years ago to bring together representatives from the town's public, private and voluntary sectors.

It receives public funding as well as support from East Riding Council through officer time and facilitation, rather than a direct grant.

Along with the council, regional development agency Yorkshire Forward also part-funds the post of the Beverley Renaissance co-ordinator.

Like similar partnerships in Goole and Bridlington, the Beverley one operates a number of sub-groups looking at specific issues.

Earlier this week the Mail revealed that Paul Smith, who was up until recently a member of the partnership's economy and tourism group, had designed thousands of hardcore pornography websites as part of his company's online design business.

He had been featured in a press release issued by East Riding Council.

Although none of the sites were illegal, Mr Smith chose to close them down this week.

In a statement released to the Mail, East Riding Council said: " Paul Smith is a local resident who volunteered to serve on one of the Beverley Renaissance partnership's working groups and his kind offer was accepted.

" There was no requirement in these circumstances to delve into his business background and activities."

The council also confirmed that it issued press releases on behalf of several of the renaissance partnerships.

The statement added: "We have the resources and contacts to do that and by so doing we have not 'endorsed' anything."

A press release issued by the council last month featuring Beverley Mayor David Elvidge promoting Mr Smith's new Beverley community website.

A protest at the Mail's coverage over the issue discussed online failed to materialise yesterday.