A ROW has erupted between councillors in two West Craven towns after an accountancy error resulted in money earmarked for improvement projects in Barnoldswick being withdrawn.

The move to ‘de-allocate’ the money was backed by Earby councillors, sparking angry exchanges between representatives from the two towns.

Councillor Rosemary Carroll, chairman of the West Craven Area Committee, said: “The problem is the Barnoldswick budget was overspent by £8,000, so we de-allocated the money this year.”

Instead provision is expected to be included in the 2015-16 budget. The money has been earmarked for projects included upgrading an Albert Road shop, replacing vandalised and missing dog waste bins and improving the general cleanliness of Barnoldswick ahead of a first-ever visit by Britain In Bloom judges this summer.

Cllr Carroll, a Conservative who represents Earby ward, said the programmes were not going ahead until the next financial year anyway.

But Councillor Ken Hartley, a Liberal Democrat representing Barnoldswick’s Craven ward, said the money would not be available until at least June, which was too late for any planting work for the Britain In Bloom judging.

The original allocations were made by the area committee prior to the May elections but it was revealed in July that the money may not be available.

Cllr Hartley added: “Regardless of whose fault it is, in theory the chairman of the area committee should have their finger on the pulse.”

But Cllr Carroll said the mistake was made when the Lib Dems had control of the committee “and overcommitted themselves”.

Pendle Council’s executive agreed to give an £8,000 advance from next year’s budget but the loan was refused by the area committee’s Earby councillors, backed by two Conservative Barnoldswick councillors.

Cllr Hartley said: “Now Barnoldswick won’t get the money until after the May election and technically it will not be available until at least June, far too late to commission any to be done prior to the Britain In Bloom judging.

“Earby is now dictating what can or cannot be spent in Barnoldswick.”