A NEW political group set up by disgruntled residents has voted to demand the head of the chief executive of a North Yorkshire district council.

About 40 people turned up at a public meeting arranged by the Richmondshire Association of Council Tax Payers.

The local authority's performance was under the microscope in the light of recent council tax increases, particularly its record on spending.

But the decision to send 11 senior executives on a two-day adventure training exercise in April proved by far the most controversial.

The authority had recently introduced new charges to help cover a shortfall in its budget when it emerged an estimated £7,000 of taxpayers' money had been spent on the course, including two nights at the Morritt Arms Hotel.

Chief executive Harry Tabiner insisted it was value for money, but residents at Tuesday night's meeting once again condemned the authority's leadership for refusing to divulge details of the course or exactly how much it cost.

A two-hour debate ended with a vote of no confidence in the authority and another in favour of sending a letter to every Richmondshire councillor requesting Mr Tabiner's dismissal.

The meeting also confirmed the new association intends to field candidates in some wards at the next election. Chairman Alan Gatenby said: "We believe it is time for a change.''