A ROW has broken out among Droitwich town councillors over expenses.

Members of Droitwich Town Council have voted not to allow councillors to claim an allowance because many believe it should remain a voluntary service.

But one councillor believes it is unfair for councillors to be out of pocket when carrying out civic duties.

"My argument is that we should be able to claim for paper, photocopying and stamps, things like that," said independent Councillor Claude Heeley.

"We should not be expected to be out of pocket. I'm not looking to make any money, I just think we should be allowed to claim back what we spend.

"I think they will struggle to get people to come forward to become town councillors in the future if people know they will have to spend their own money."

The row follows the first publication of MPs' expenses. Last month, members of the House of Commons were criticised for claiming an average of £118,437 per year in expenses - on top of their salary of £57,485.

An independent panel had recommended town and parish councillors should be able to claim travelling and subsistence for meetings, in accordance with district members.

However, the town council's resources committee resolved in August not to pay its councillors an allowance but suggested the full council had the final ruling. And now it has agreed with the committee.

"It's OK for those councillors who are also district or county councillors because they get an allowance and claim for expenses through that," said Coun Heeley. "So they are not really out of pocket.

"But for those of us who are only town councillors it can be a struggle. I tried to put this argument forward and although people listened they all voted against it."

But other councillors did not agree and said they took on the position voluntarily with the understanding they would not be paid at all.

Speaking at the town council meeting Coun Maureen Lawley said: "Surely you know when you take it on that it is voluntary."