A ROW among the Lifford Hall trustees in Broadway has sparked resignations.

Two weeks ago heated words were exchanged between long-standing trustees who have been involved in fund-raising for years, and relative newcomers to the village.

Recently-resigned trustee and village postmaster Dave Smith said: "I am now being told how I should organise concerts after all the successful shows I have put on over the years.

"The in-house drama group which donates every penny in profits to the Lifford Hall appeal, is also being told to pay for rehearsals.

"If this happens the Lifford Hall will receive less because we will be looking for other village charities to donate to."

Mr Smith also went on to say that an item which was passed in committee about four years ago that the 18 trustees should be responsible for four ticket sales to support each Lifford Hall event, had never been put into practice.

He added: "Some trustees support very little and complain a great deal."

Former trustee Shirley Stone said: "There was a clash of personalities. Our years of hard work seems to account for nothing."

Lifford Hall treasurer Richard Prater had also tendered his resignation, but he declined to comment. Villagers Keith and Wendy Hunt, and Chris Collins add up to six who resigned.

Trustee and county councillor Liz Eyre, who moved into the village six years ago said: "There are still 12 trustees on the committee new and old, and many people are pleased with the representative mix of all ages and all backgrounds. Changes have to be made to comply with the Charities Commission and we have to be more accountable. Richard Prater did a wonderful job by raising most of the money, but we have named a room after him."

Villager Dottie Friedli, who helps behind the bar at events, said: "These new people know nothing of the hard work involved in raising nearly half a million pounds. The hall with ghastly toilets and where water leaked in from the roof has been transformed into what we have now - a beautiful place that villagers can be proud of. It is an absolute and utter disgrace that we have come to this."

Jill de Navarro, long-standing secretary of the trustees, said: "I am very sorry Richard has resigned, although we knew he was going to stand down as treasurer. He has worked tirelessly for the village hall, however we must move on." She added that she did not think the Broadway Players had been told to pay for rehearsals. "The group is an elected company of the Lifford Hall," she said.