LEYBURN taxpayers will have to foot the bill next year for audit costs in excess of £3,000 incurred by two people who have been sending a large number of queries to the district auditor.

Leyburn town clerk told the council on Monday that it seemed that two residents had been writing directly to the district auditor to complain about the purchase of Thornborough Hall. In checking and responding to these complaints, the auditor's costs had already amounted to £3,000 and could be higher by the end of the financial year.

"I am appalled. I think the people of Leyburn should know this is happening," said Coun Mavis Parry. "The precept will have to go up."

Coun Margaret Knight pointed out: "If we were a small council this bill would have wiped out everything we have in the bank."

"This is going to come out of the electors' pockets and there is nothing we can do about it," added Coun Ian Barker, who was chairing the meeting.

The district auditor is not obliged by law to tell a local council who is writing such letters. The councillors felt this was unfair and undemocratic. "They can write about us and we can't find out who is accusing us," said Coun Parry.

The clerk said this issue was being raised by the Yorkshire Local Councils' Association at a national level.

* More town council news: page 10.