FORMER Conservative Party leader William Hague has joined in the debate over a controversial referendum involving residents in Hutton Rudby.

The parish council is considering applying for a £200,000 loan from the Public Works Loan Board to help fund improvements to the village hall.

As the loan would lead to an initial increase in the parish precept of almost 50pc, the council decided a clear mandate was needed from villagers if it was to go ahead.

But a clause in the voting system, which said forms not returned would be classed as yes votes, led to claims that the parish council was being unfair and undemocratic.

One objector, Dr Christine Gill, of Trenholme Bar, near Northallerton, wrote to Mr Hague, Prime Minister Tony Blair, several county, district and parish councillors and local government officials to ask for their opinions on the clause.

In his reply, Mr Hague said he had looked into the matter and, although there was nothing to prevent the parish council from adding the non-return rider, it was unusual.

He said: "There are no specific rules about how such a consultation can take place.

"According to an official at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, it would be unusual, even in this situation, for those who have not voted to be counted in favour of a proposal. But there is no specific statutory prohibition."

Coun Jacqueline Griffiths, who represents the Stokesley area on Hambleton District Council, agreed that counting nil returns as yes votes was undemocratic, as did the vice-chairman of Hambleton District Council, Coun June Imeson, and Hutton Rudby parish councillor Peter Markey.

Coun Markey said: "I did not, and do not, think it right to regard non-return of the voting slip as indicating support of the proposal, but I clearly did not put my view sufficiently eloquently to carry the day, so I must share the responsibility."

A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Blair had asked for Dr Gill's letter be passed on to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Martyn Richards, head of legal services at Hambleton District Council, said he was unable to comment.

Voting closed on Monday of last week and the parish council was expected to discuss the matter at last night's monthly meeting