QUESTIONS are to be asked after more than £1,000 was spent on garden railings at the home of a councillor's daughter.

The previous tenants of a council house now occupied by Linda Walker had an application for a fence turned down by Middlesbrough councillors.

Work on the railings in Phillida Terrace, Middlesbrough, was completed in 1999. The Liberal Democrats say the £1,014 bill was paid by the council, whose then leader was the tenant's father, Councillor Ken Walker.

Liberal Democrat councillor Joe Michna represented the previous tenants at a planning appeal hearing. He said: "When the council turned down their application for a fence it went to an internal appeal. It was not just an officer's decision."

The National Standard Board has passed a complaint by Middlesbrough resident Joan McTigue to the Audit Commission.

A Middlesbrough Council spokesman said: "We are concerned about these allegations, but as the work was completed in 1999, we will need to make a full investigation.''

Coun Walker said: "This is a council matter, nothing to do with me personally.''

Mrs McTigue wants an explanation for the decision and expense. She is also tabling questions for the next council meeting.