COUNCIL bosses thinking of installing a £25,000 sound system in their council chamber have been criticised by impoverished groups in the town.

The system, which would enable councillors to vote electronically and control the volume of each microphone, is one of two possible solutions to a perceived acoustics problem at Chester-le-Street District Council.

It would even have a "priority desk set" for the chairman that would allow him to silence everyone else in the room if he wants to speak.

The other option - a series of small microphones suspended from the ceiling - would cost just £5,000.

Matthew Palmer, Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Durham North, branded the proposal excessive.

"Councillors in Chester-le-Street should remember that it is not their money they are spending - it is the people's money," said Mr Palmer yesterday.

"It could be put to a much better use than this. However, if they were to opt for the much lower quote, that would be more acceptable."

While the council considers spending £25,000 on a sound system, some of the town's organisations are going without the bare necessities.

One group that is struggling for finance is the 73-year-old 2nd Chester-le-Street Scout Group.

Despite fundraising for five years, members are still some way short of saving the group from the town's redevelopment.

Voting would be confidential under the more expensive system.

Despite a report to the council's corporate services advisory and review panel that states: "Due to the nature and value of the equipment, the room would be less available to other users," council leaders say it would be ideal for other groups.

Referring to both options, council leader Malcolm Pratt said: "The council chamber is hired out to organisations other than the council for meetings.

"Over the years we have had complaints about the acoustics. The report gives options for remedying this."

The advisory and review panel will consider the report on Monday