THE row over the future of a controversial motor racing circuit took a new twist yesterday when a council was challenged to come clean on a behind-closed-doors deal with its owners.

Richmondshire District Council was on the brink of legal action last year which would have forced Croft Circuit, near Darlington, to limit noise. However, a QC called in to give a second opinion on the administration's chances of winning advised the council to drop the case.

When it was confirmed the action would go no further, there was an outcry from those who live near the circuit. Many protestors remain bitter and vented their fury at a meeting called to update them on the saga last month.

However, what did not emerge at Dalton-on-Tees on December 14 was the fact that, as it was the council which backed down rather than go to court, the circuit's management was entitled to claim the costs of its defence.

Richmondshire District Council could now face an inquiry into why it has not gone public on an out-of-court settlement, which is thought to be in the region of £40,000.

Bernard Borman, a long-standing critic of the council, is adamant that taxpayers have a right to know and has written to the district auditor to request an investigation, not just into the Croft issue, but a number of other allegations.

However, chief executive Harry Tabiner insisted yesterday that the council had followed correct procedure.

He said: "The decision to discuss Croft in private was based on legal advice, and the vote on the settlement was taken by councillors, who are the democratically-elected representatives of the people.

"The amount involved must remain confidential, as an agreement to that effect was signed by both parties. However, those who feel the council has acted incorrectly can approach the district auditor.