RESIDENTS are calling for Government action amid claims that a regeneration group is failing their area.

About 50 local people went to the Future of Regeneration of Grangetown (Frog)'s annual meeting on Wednesday night.

When a vote was taken on the new board of directors, they protested at the nominees.

One of the residents proposed a vote of no confidence in the group, which organises regeneration projects, using Government money, and now local people plan to appeal to the North-East Government office to disband the group.

Paul Tuffs, chairman of the Grangetown Residents' Association, said: "At the meeting, people asked questions about money and projects that should be going on in Grangetown, and the board didn't answer us.

"People were very upset. They have lost confidence in the future regeneration of Grangetown."

Mr Tuffs said the residents had hoped to change the board's membership, but were prevented from voting.

"We were told that only members of Frog could vote," he said.

"The voting was rigged so that 14 would be re-elected. I suggested that we would have to take this to the Government office to disband Frog, and everyone in the room shouted that that is what they wanted."

Kester Haith, Frog's project manager, said: "Virtually the same people have been elected, but they were the only ones nominated by company members. Some weeks ago, Frog recognised that the whole process wasn't as democratic as it should be, but we have to abide by company law. At the next AGM, we hope more people will be involved. I think our track record is strong enough to stand some criticism."

The dissatisfaction over Frog follows the collapse of another regeneration company in neighbouring South Bank. The South Bank Community Forum was dissolved in January, due to severe management and financial difficulties.

Martin Jefferson, manager of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Government regeneration budget, said disagreements over community management are to be expected.

"People who get involved with community affairs tend to be very passionate," he said. "What we are referring to is community politics, and it is hard, fast and dirty at times. In terms of delivering regeneration projects, I've got no reason to complain about Frog."