councillors are at loggerheads over whether decisions about the allocation of neighbourhood group money should be put out to consultation to residents not present at the meetings.

Confusion has arisen after an amenities committee meeting in July, where a petition from residents was presented stating their disapproval over Winyates Neighbourhood Group's decision to donate money for the erection of goal posts on land between Foxcote Close and Ibstock Close.

Petitioners felt the views of people present at the meeting had not been representative of residents as a whole and more consultation should have been taken before decisions were made.

Councillor Brandon Clayton believes consultation is essential if money from neighbourhood groups is to benefit the community.

Mr Clayton said: "I'm all for consultation when it concerns things such as goal posts, new signs, or anything that will effect residents.

"It's good that groups are given money and responsibility in deciding what to spend it on but without consulting with residents who aren't at the meeting, there will be problems.

"The idea of a council is that we put things out to consultation, people do have their say and everyone is given the chance to express their views."

But Councillor Albert Wharrad believes decisions should be in the hands of neighbourhood group members or the system would become ineffective.

He said: "It is not council money, it is the neighbourhood groups', they should decide.

"If every issue concerning the budgets is put out to consultation it would take months to get done or simply never get done.

"Everybody has access to the same information as to when the meetings are held, they have the complete right to turn up and put their views across."