A PRIVATE row that has split a parish council went public yesterday when two members openly challenged their chairman.

Stanhope Parish councillors Richard Mews and Angela Bolam have called an extraordinary meeting next week at which they will propose a motion of no confidence in chairman Tom Martin.

A second motion from the two councillors proposes they should be part of a sub-committee, which was formed recently to implement a decision already taken by the council to dispense with the services of its clerk Val Ward.

This was agreed at an extraordinary meeting on June 13 where members voted seven to two, with one abstention, asking Councillor Martin to inform Mrs Ward in writing.

At noon yesterday, Councillor Mews, who also sits on Wear Valley District Council, posted an agenda for the meeting outside Stanhope Town Hall, where it will be held at 2pm next Friday.

He said: "The chairman has failed to carry out the recommendation of the council and we have no option but to take the matter further.

"He was officially notified by a letter and agenda, which were delivered by hand to his home last week.

"He has had seven days to call a meeting, but he has failed to do so.

"I am the longest serving member, with 23 years' service, and I have never known anything like it.

"It is a shame it has come to this because we have always been a friendly council that has just got on with its business."

Mrs Ward and Coun Martin issued a joint statement last night.

It said: "At this time, the County Association of Parish and Town Councils and the National Association of Local Councils is advising that this course of action should not be progressed.

"The members of Stanhope Parish Council are being urged to exercise restraint owing to the dire circumstances caused by the actions of certain councillors.

"The chairman of Stanhope Parish Council, Tom Martin, will be putting out an agenda for a meeting to be held as soon as practicable."