RICHMONDSHIRE councillors have voted not to axe a perk which saves them money when telephoning the authority's headquarters.

A freephone number was made available to councillors on a trial basis last November.

But, last month, the resources committee decided it could save as much as £800 if it dropped the scheme.

It decided to recommend that councillors should be offered a £15 allowance every year to cover their phone expenses instead.

But, when a meeting of the full council was asked to ratify the decision this week, Councillor Richard Dunn objected.

He claimed restrictions imposed on calls from MoD offices where he works would make contact with Swale House difficult.

And, after a 20-minute debate, his argument was successful, and the meeting agreed to keep the service for another year, even though it was warned the bill could top £1,500.

Councillor Jane Parlour was among those who voted against the move and, afterwards, she admitted she feared a backlash from the public.

"I don't believe we should be spending money on a service which is not available to the public when we are making cuts elsewhere. I wouldn't be at all surprised if there was an unfavourable reaction," she said.

"When it came down to it, only four members of the authority would have had problems if the freephone service was dropped and, although I sympathise with their position, I feel it's an issue they should take up with their employers."

However, Coun Dunn remained adamant the meeting came to the right decision.

He said: "It's not just about money and it wouldn't have mattered if the council had been offering a £100 allowance every year. The fact remains some of us cannot use the phone at work unless the calls are free and, as mobiles are still unreliable in some areas of the district, that means the only option is to find a phone box.

"Contact with the council is not a privilege, it is essential if a councillor is to be effective."