A ROW over the management of Yarm Fellowship Hall continued at the latest Yarm Town Council meeting.

The hall is owned by the council but managed on a day-to-day basis by the Fellowship Trust charity. Following a property revaluation, the insurance payments for the hall rose sharply.

The trust recently asked the council for a contribution, which was agreed, but Coun Eric Turton criticised the trust's management of property and its accountability. He suggested the council should not contribute until allegations regarding hall equipment, furniture and accounts were clarified.

Speaking at the council meeting, he said he had received a letter from the trust and asked if the council would be sending a reply.

Vice-chairman Coun Philip Addison was not aware of the letter's details. He said chairman, Coun Liz Marsden, who was not at the meeting, might reply if she wished.

Coun Marjorie Simpson said: "It's a pity this letter was written. Eighty per cent of councillors gave permission for a grant, yet we have taken the brunt for this disagreement.

"There is nothing to stop the trust asking for grants and we support it. This letter is against Yarm Town Council, which is awful. Most councillors are not against the Fellowship Hall."

Trust members Couns David Monck and Gwen Porter walked out of the town council meeting when Coun Turton made his original comments.

At the latest meeting, Coun Monck said: "Given the disgraceful comments and abuse against the trust, including when we asked for an apology from Yarm Town Council, the trust has withdrawn its request for funding. It is receiving donations from businesses.

"I accept not all councillors were responsible, but this letter is set against that background."

Coun Turton replied: "I have never doubted Yarm Town Council supports the purposes of the trust. But this sum was the largest investment by the council to any charity.

"The council needs to create a close working relationship with the trust, whose prime objectives it supports. I think this letter to Coun Marsden is a step in the wrong direction."

New clerk, Peter Woods, asked if it was appropriate to discuss a letter the chairman had not seen.

But Coun Simpson said it concerned the whole council. Differences needed to be aired.

"It's not a personal letter. Coun Addison could reply," he added.

Coun Addison had not replied because he did not want to inflame the situation.