A KNEE-jerk reaction by Tories put paid to the hopes of Darlington's two Liberal Democrats being given immediate seats on two scrutiny committees.

The Labour group had finally caved in to constant appeals by Couns Ken Walker and his wife, Susan, that they were unable to fully represent their North Road ward.

It was recommended they were given a seat on the environment scrutiny committee and another on social affairs and health.

All seemed to go smoothly through the full council meeting on Thursday of last week, where papers made it clear it had to be a unanimous decision.

But some Conservatives voted against the document, which also contained a number of other changes to the experimental system of local government - including open cabinet meetings.

A dismayed and clearly upset Coun Ken Walker, said: "Either someone is against us or they didn't read their papers."

The latter appeared to be true as a flustered Coun Tony Richmond, leader of the Tory group, said: "It was a reflex action on the part of a few members." Later he emphasised: "I have told Coun Walker there was no deliberate intent to do this and he accepts that."

He maintained the item should have been dealt with separately and said he would be raising it as an issue at the next review in the new year.

Coun John Williams, Labour leader, said he was trying to arrange a meeting so the Liberals did not have to wait until December: "It is very regrettable. I think people expect better than a reflex action - they would expect a considered one," he said.

Coun Walker is critical of Labour's new-style local government which kept the Liberals out of the decision-making process in the first place.

He cited the closure of the Rise Carr old people's home, Winton House, which is in his ward. The decision is being investigated by the ombudsman.

Coun Walker declared: "The system we are adopting makes ward councillors obsolete, the reverse of what was supposed to be the case."

He is pressing for the establishment of the community forums which exist elsewhere